CYP Now - Supporting parents and carers to cope with child sexual abuse

To give a child who has experienced sexual abuse the best possible outcome we need to start by supporting their parents.

Professionals need to develop respectful, open and honest relationships with parents and carers, Dr Parkinson says. Picture: CSA Centre

We estimate that at least 15 per cent of girls and five per cent of boys are sexually abused before the age of 16, based on the available survey evidence.

As such, as well as protection from further abuse, these children will need support with the impact that the abuse has had on them. But it’s crucial that professionals don’t lose sight of the fact that sexual abuse also affects their whole family. Non-abusing parents and carers need to be recognised as victims of the abuse, alongside their child. They are also key to their child’s recovery from harm, so by supporting them effectively, we can help them support their child.

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