Child sexual abuse is any form of sexual activity with a child or young person by an adult, or by another child or young person where there is no consent or consent is not possible; or by another child or young person who has power over the child. By this definition, it is possible for a child to be sexually abused by another child. Sexual abuse includes: inappropriate kissing; full sex; the direct touching of genitals in any way for sexual gratification; touching of the body in any way for sexual gratification; exposing of genitals for sexual gratification; exposing a child or young person to pornography/ watching sex acts; and ignoring sexual abuse.

What is Sexual Abuse?

Abusers are most often someone the child, and the family, knows and trusts.

As far as we know, abusers, are most often male relatives, including fathers, step-fathers, brothers, grandfathers, uncles and cousins; friends of the family; or neighbours. Abusers can also be female, including mothers, step-mothers, sisters, aunts, babysitters, and grandmothers. Other children can also abuse children. Children can also be abused by strangers.

Who are the abusers?

Many parents are devastated when they hear that their child has suffered abuse and need support for themselves to help their child. We have trained staff to help you too. Sometimes it can feel as if all the doors close when abuse happens – we will work with you to open those doors again! And did you know YOU can call SAFETY NET first for help?

PARENTS - we're here for you too!

As we are a charitable organisation we rely on funding and donations. There are many ways you can help us by making a donation, a few of which are giving local original artwork that we can display at our City Centre property, and the new company payroll giving scheme, toys (second hand and new) for the children, plants for the offices, cleaning services. If you or your company are interested in donating, or finding out more, please give us a call.

Funding, donations and financial support

About Safety Net

Safety Net Advice and Support Centre is a registered charity working with children, young people and families who have experience of rape, sexual abuse or domestic violence. We provide advice and support to people including placing with a counsellor, advice on what to expect at court and support in getting the help needed from other professionals.

We want to raise the profile of rape, sexual abuse and domestic abuse in communities. Safety Net offers support for children and young people regardless of their gender or sexual orientation who have been raped, sexually abused, subject to sexual exploitation or who have suffered domestic abuse. We also offer support to families affected by abuse.  We also provide training to other professionals to help them better support children, young people and families in need of support.