Get support
If you, or someone you know, has been affected by child sexual abuse there are places and people who can help. Find a local and national support service using our directory of support services, and find sources of immediate help and advice below.
Find over 350 services for those affected by child sexual abuse in England and Wales in our directory of support services.
You can find specific support tailored to supporting children, adults, parents and carers, as well as services offering focused support for women and girls, men and boys, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people and for people specifically from ethnic minority backgrounds, in one easy to navigate list.
Find services by clicking the link below.
Immediate help for child sexual abuse
If you have noticed signs, or are worried that a child may have, or is currently being sexually abused, then it’s important to take action.
Here are organisations you can contact who can help protect the child, so you can be reassured that you are doing the right thing.
NSPCC helpline
For advice if you have concerns about child sexual abuse, or you think something isn’t right, you can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 (open 24 hours a day) for support and remain anonymous, if you wish.
You can also make a report on their website.
Crimestoppers
Crimestoppers is an independent charity who allows you to anonymously report information relating to a crime. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
Contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their website.
Are you a child or young person?
If you are a child or young person who needs help, we want you to know that you are not on your own. There are trusted adults who can help you.
You can chat online, email or call Childline for free advice and support on 0800 1111, they are open 24 hours a day.
You don’t have to give your name and the number won’t show up on your phone bill if you call from a landline or from most mobile networks.
Are you in crisis, experiencing mental health problems or do you need urgent support?
If you are in crisis, experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support, there are services who can help.
For free, confidential support from trained volunteers, you can call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans at any time. You can also text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text “YM” if you’re under 19.
For out-of-hours mental health support, you can call SANEline at 0300 304 7000 from 4pm-10pm for specialist support for anyone affected by mental illness, including families, friends and carers.
You can also call NHS 111 and select the mental health option or get help from 111 online. They can direct you to the right place to get help, and you may be able to speak to a trained mental health professional over the phone.
Worried about someone’s or your own thoughts or behaviour?
If you are a teenager who is worried about your own or someone else’s sexual thoughts, feelings or actions, or would like advice on staying safe online and offline, Shore can help. You can email Shore here without giving your name, or find more advice on the Shore website.
Stop it Now offers anonymous support and advice to anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse, whether this is your own or someone else’s behaviour. Their helpline is a safe space for callers to talk about their concerns and questions.
You can call Stop it Now on 0808 1000 900, email them here, or use their live chat on the Stop it Now website.
