Child Wise

Victims of sexual abuse can feel like they are trapped in a nightmare with no end. It can be hard to imagine that things could get better, or that anyone, or anything could help. Some victims of sexual abuse might also feel confused, or worry that the abuse is their own fault. They might also worry, that if they tell anybody, they will get themselves or the person who is hurting them in trouble.

It is important to remember that :

Sexual abuse is never justified.

Sexual abuse is a criminal act

Sexual abuse is never the victims fault

Sexual abuse is more common than most people realise it effects one in 7 boys and one in 4 girls

Talk to somebody

Secrecy allows child sexual abuse to flourish. Breaking the silence can be the most important step in stopping the abuse, and working towards recovery. Even if you are dealing with abuse that happened in the past, and may have been a one-off incident, it is still important to be able to tell somebody about it.

Why tell?

• You can get help to stop the abuse
• You can leave the guilt and secrecy that keeps you isolated behind
• You can get support to work through your feelings
• You can help to prevent it from happening to other children
• You start to get back some control in your life.
• You can link up with other young people who are no longer willing to suffer in silence.
• You can make it easier for other young people to tell.

Who to tell?

The best person to tell is an adult that you know and trust. This could be a family member, a family friend, teacher etc. Alternatively, you could email or call your local support service found in our Self Help Guide in your state or territory, anonymously or contact Child Wise. Telling somebody about what is happening or has happened to you for the first time is daunting.

Remember: It is your right to tell. No one has the right to sexually abuse you.

Finding support

There are many forms of assistance and support available to individuals, families and communities who have been affected by child sexual abuse. To find support in your local area, click here. If you have any difficulties finding support, or have any questions, you can email or call a qualified counsellor at Child Wise.

You are not alone

If you are experiencing, or have experienced sexual abuse, you are not alone. The culture of secrecy that surrounds child sexual abuse means that it is hard to find out exactly how many people have been affected, but research indicates that one in four girls, and one in seven boys is sexually abused in Australia. Though these figures can vary, it is unanimously agreed upon that sexual abuse is far more common then most people realise.

You can also speak to one of our trained counsellors for support during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) call us on 1800 99 10 99 (inside Australia) or email us.