Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I think I'm being sexually abused.

Your body is yours. No-one has the right to touch you. Your body belongs to you, especially your private parts.

If someone is touching, in any way, or looking at the private parts of your body (the bits that go under your swimming costume) you are being sexually abused.

If you are being made to touch or look at the private parts of someone else’s body you are being sexually abused.

If you are being shown pictures, videos, films on cameras, ipads computers or TV’s of naked people or nearly naked people standing still or doing things to each other or you are having photos or films taken without your clothes on you are being sexually abused.

I am being sexually abused. What should I do?

Tell an adult you trust: maybe your mum, dad, a family member, one of your teachers, a school nurse, doctor, or a friend’s parents.

If they do not help tell someone else or phone 101.

I think my sister/brother/friend is being sexually abused. What should I do?

Talk to them. Let them know you care. Tell an adult you can trust such as your mum or another family member, your teacher, or the School Nurse.

Sometimes the person you know who you think is being abused might ask you to keep it a secret. We cannot keep secrets as secrets are dangerous – your friend is being harmed and they are hurting so much they had to tell someone. Now you are hurting because you are worrying.

You need to be brave and talk to a safe adult. Is there a teacher you can talk to? If not a trusted adult, you can telephone the police on 101 or your local Social Services:
Suffolk 0808 800 4005
Norfolk 0344 800 8021

What will happen if I tell someone I'm being sexually abused?

A few things will happen:

• The social services/social worker will make sure you are safe and that the alleged abuser is not having contact with you whilst the investigation is going on.
• The Police will speak to your parent and interview you with a social worker present. For more information on the  police investigation, this document can be helpful

Will I have to go into care?

There is no reason for you to be taken into care. Social Care are concerned that your parent or carer is making sure that you do not have any contact with the alleged abuser. This is to keep you safe.

How can you help me?

If you live in Suffolk or Norfolk you can be referred to us.

We will work with you to help you overcome the effects of the abuse and help you feel a lot better about yourself.

Is it my fault?

Sexual abuse is never the young person’s fault.

They will often be told that it is, and that they caused it to happen. This is a way abusers stop children and young people from telling what is happening to them. They make them feel guilty.

I thought they were my boyfriend/girlfriend...

This is a trick that is often used, especially in sexual exploitation. Your boyfriend will often share you amongst his ’friends’ and get paid.

If this is happening to you talk to an adult you can trust or phone the police on 101.