Communicating with children when there are concerns of sexual abuse – for health professionals

Right now, far more children are being sexually abused in England and Wales than are identified or safeguarded. Half a million children are estimated to experience some form of sexual abuse each year, yet just a small proportion of these ever come to the attention of statutory services.

Children face a number of barriers in communicating about sexual abuse, such as feelings of fear, shame, guilt and responsibility, not having the language to communicate their concerns, or not recognising what has happened to them as abuse. However, we know that one of the most powerful motivators for children to tell is for someone to notice what is happening for them and ask them about it. Indeed, the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel report on intrafamilial child sexual abuse is titled “I wanted them all to notice”, which is an extract of a quote from one of the children at the heart of the reviews; “I couldn’t talk about the sexual abuse. It was too difficult. I wanted them all to notice and to ask me what was going on.”

Whilst we recognise that professionals often worry about how to start a conversation with a child, what words to use, and what should be avoided, as health professionals you are already skilled in holding difficult conversations. There is so much that those working across all areas of health can do to give children the confidence and opportunity to communicate about sexual abuse.

About the event

This one-day course is specifically tailored to those working in health including but not limited to general practice, Paediatrics, mental health, health visiting, and midwifery.

The first part of the day will focus on understanding the barriers both child and professionals face in communicating about sexual abuse and the core skills needed to give children the confidence to communicate. The second half will offer practical suggestions for how to begin and continue these conversations, and will offer lots of opportunity for practice, feedback and group learning.

Learning outcomes

Following this course, you can expect:

• A greater understanding of the barriers that children face in communicating about their experiences of sexual abuse.
• Greater confidence in opening the door to communication with children when you have concerns about sexual abuse.
• Greater confidence in responding to children when they tell you they are, or have been, sexually abused.
• Some practical strategies you can use to give children the confidence to communicate with you.
• A greater understanding of how to communicate with children in different contexts.

Speaker Info

Dr Natasha Sabin is a Practice Improvement Advisor with a lead for Health at the Centre of Expertise on child sexual abuse. Natasha is a Forensic Psychologist with professional expertise in child sexual abuse. She has held roles within Youth Justice Services, secure custodial environments, and community settings and is currently a visiting lecturer at the University of Birmingham. During her time at the CSA Centre, Natasha has co-authored a number of practice resources including Communicating with children A guide for those working with children who have or may have been sexually abused, Managing risk and trauma after online sexual offending, and Using supervision and team meetings to improve responses to child sexual abuse.

Please note: This course needs a minimum of 6 people to be able to run and the maximum number of participants is 25. If you are unable to book a place because the course is full, please do get in touch with us as we may be able to facilitate another session.

Contact details: For any questions, please contact Dr Natasha Sabin on natasha.sabin@csacentre.org.uk