Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is when a child or young person is forced or tricked into sexual activities. Sexual abuse can happen online – for example, a child could be forced to make, view or share child abuse images or videos or take part in sexual activities on conversations online. There are two types of sexual abuse viz., contact and non-contact abuse. And sexual abuse can happen in person or online.

1. Contact Abuse: Contact abuse is where an abuser makes physical contact with a child. Contact abuse can include touching, kissing and oral sex – sexual abuse isn’t just penetrative. Followings are some of examples of Contact Abuse:
   • Sexual touching of any part of a child’s body, whether they’re clothed or not
   • Using a body part or object to rape or penetrate a child
   • Forcing a child to take part in sexual activities
   • Making a child undress or touch someone else.
2.  Non-contact Abuse: Non-contact abuse is where a child is abused without being touched by the abuser. This can be in person or online and includes:
3. • Exposing or flashing
   • Showing pornography
   • Exposing a child to sexual acts
   • Making them masturbate
   • Forcing a child to make, view or share child abuse images or videos
   • Making, viewing or distributing child abuse images or videos
   • Forcing a child to take part in sexual activities or conversations online or through a smartphone.