What is ...Sexual abuse?

This means boys or girls being forced to put up with indecent regards or words, endure French kisses, take their clothes off, allow themselves to be touched, see the abuser naked, touch him or gratify him sexually.

Children require love, warmth, tenderness, protection and security. If an adult sexually abuses a child, he uses the love, trust or dependence to gratify his own needs.

Sometimes the violence is direct and immediately recognisable. Sometimes it is slowly cultivated through compliments, presents or outings. Then the transition from fun to abuse can be so gradual that it’s barely noticed. The offenders often come from the parents’ own family or friends. You can’t tell by looking at someone that he’s a sex offender. Many offenders look quite different to what they are in reality. That makes it all the more difficult to identify them.

Important: Children and juveniles are never responsible for being abused!