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Information for families in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

I am a Young Person

Are you worried that someone is doing things to your body or getting you to do things to their body that you are not happy about? This could be happening face to face or on line. It could also be having to look at or send photos or pictures that worry you.   This may be sexual abuse and it’s not ok.  It is against the law and will be stopped.

This webpage will tell you how to get help.

Tell someone you trust, you will be helped

It may be hard to talk about it but telling someone you trust will help stop it happening.

Who can you tell?

  • Someone in your family
  • Your teacher
  • A police officer, doctor, nurse or club leader
  • Someone else you can talk to

 

Or you can contact:

CHILDLINE on 0800 1111 (it’s free) or go to the CHILDLINE website on line

When you share your worries about what is happening to you, there are people who can help you with the next steps to make this stop. They will understand how you are feeling and they will believe you.

What is Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is when someone is forced, pressurised or tricked into taking part in any kind of sexual activity with another person.

Examples of Sexual Abuse Include
  • Being touched in a way you don’t like without giving permission or consent
  • Someone showing their private body parts to you online, by phone or in person
  • Being pressurised into a sexual act; to look at sexual pictures or videos; to do something sexual or watch someone do something sexual.

Sexual abuse can include lots of things like rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, online grooming and domestic abuse or violence.

It can also include sexual exploitation (being pressured into having sex with someone in return for getting something like money or drugs), sexting or child pornography.

Facts about Sexual Abuse
  • sexual abuse can happen to both girls and boys
  • someone could be sexually abused by a stranger, someone in a job such as teacher, club leader, somebody you love and trust or a boyfriend or girlfriend
  • someone could be sexually abused by a person of the same sex and someone who is also a child or young person
How can I Tell Someone I have been Sexually Abused
  • Pick someone you trust
  • Write it down – it can be upsetting to talk about it so sometimes it’s easier to tell someone with a letter
  • Pick a time when you can talk privately with the person you trust
  • Understand that its not your fault – you may feel embarrassed or ashamed to talk about what has happened to you, but you shouldn’t be and a person you trust will be able to help you.
It’s our Secret

– tell someone you trust, and it can be stopped, and you will get support. You may have been told by your abuser:

*No-one will listen - X NOT TRUE

*No-one will believe you - X NOT TRUE

*You will get in trouble if you tell - X NOT TRUE

*It’s our secret - X NOT TRUE

* It’s ok to do this - X NOT TRUE

Don’t believe these lies - tell someone you trust and it can be stopped and you will get support. Keep telling…

Jake's Story

Jake’s story: Luke was a family friend and often used to babysit me. He was always around our house. We all trusted him. He was 15 when it started, so a lot older than me. I didn’t like what he wanted me to do and I was scared, but he said that my mum would be cross if I told her. As I got a bit older I understood more and realised it wasn’t right, so I told my big brother and he told my mum. She was shocked but said I was right to speak up.

 

If someone else is going through this, I’d want to tell them not to be scared, it’s not their fault and to talk to someone. Luke doesn’t come to our house anymore and I don’t have to be scared. I’m glad I talked about it.

girl
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