Communication key to getting children to disclose abuse

Children are more likely to disclose sexual abuse if they are regularly asked by adults about what is going on in their lives.

Friendships with people of their own age where personal problems are discussed will also make it easier for an abuse victim to open up, according to the latest research. This data comes just days after it was revealed that survivors of child sexual abuse wait on average 25 years before accessing support services, compared to an average wait of five years for survivors of adult sexual violence.

Last year, 53% of female Rape Crisis Centre users said they were abused as children compared to 84% of males.