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Signs a child might be abusing

A child or young person who is sexually harming another might display some of the signs below. Do you know a child or adolescent who:  

  • Seeks out the company of younger children and spends an unusual amount of time in their company?
  • Takes younger children to ‘secret’ places or hideaways or plays ‘special’ games with them (e.g. doctor and patient, removing clothing etc.) especially games unusual for their age?
  • Insists on hugging or kissing a child when the child does not want to?
  • Tells you they do not want to be alone with a child or becomes anxious when a particular child or young person is coming to visit?
  • Frequently uses aggressive sexual language about adults or children?
  • Shows sexual material to younger children?
  • Makes sexually abusive telephone calls?
  • Shares alcohol or other drugs with younger children or teens?
  • Views child pornography on the internet or elsewhere?
  • Exposes his or her genitals to younger children?
  • Forces sex on another adolescent or child?
  • Becomes secretive about their online activity, shutting the door of the room where they are using the computer and changing the screen if someone enters the room
  • Hides traces of their online activity and storage files
  • Uses the new technology with children whilst excluding adults
  • Meets up with children, young people and/or vulnerable adults in real life who they have initially met online

If you have any concerns over what is normal sexual behave or what might be abuse call the Stop it Now! FREEPHONE CONFIDENTIAL 0808 1000 900 HELPLINE for advcie, support and information. There is help available.

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Confidentiality Statement
Our telephone Helpline offers a confidential service for people seeking advice and support.  This means that when contacting us you do not have to give any identifying information such as address, telephone number or last name. 

However if you do give us identifying information and we are concerned that a child is at risk or a criminal offence has been committed which the police may not be aware of, we will have to pass on that information to the appropriate agencies. 

We also offer a confidential e-mail service, help@stopitnow.org.uk, on which you can contact us.  Your e-mail address will not be displayed.