Child Sexual Abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening.

The activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing. They may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse.

Sexual abuse can take place in family settings, in institutional settings, online, and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse.

Child sexual abuse material available online may have been generated in a family environment. Online abuse can also take the form of cyber grooming or self-generated sexual content under coercion.

Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children. A child of any age or gender can be a victim of sexual abuse.

The Child Sexual Abuse Response Pathway sets out how to respond to concerns of child sexual abuse at key points through the multi-agency response. Throughout, it focuses on meeting the needs of children and their families.

The West Midlands Region are working with the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse to implement a CSA Response Pathway. The CSA Centre are delivering a series of  training webinars aimed at any professional working across the West Midlands, West Mercia, Warwickshire or Stoke on Trent area, whose role may involve contact with children, including those in social care, health (primary care, mental health, accident and emergency, midwifery, health visiting, sexual health), police, adoption services, fostering services, schools and any other relevant services.

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) are specialist services that provide support, care, and advice to anyone who has experienced rape or sexual assault. SARCs offer a safe, private, and supportive environment where individuals can access medical care, forensic examinations, and emotional support.

Services are free of charge and available to women, men, children, and young people, regardless of whether they choose to report the assault to the police.

SARCs are staffed by specially trained professionals who can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about what happens next. Depending on the service available, support may include medical treatment, sexual health services, counselling, and practical advice.

Many SARCs also work alongside Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs). ISVAs provide tailored, victim-centred support, helping individuals navigate their choices, from reporting to the police to accessing specialist support services. They offer impartial information, practical guidance, and ongoing support based on each person’s individual needs and circumstances.

For further information please visit and referral routes: West Midlands Regional CYPSAS

Black Country Women’s Aid (BCWA) offer a range of support for children and young people who have been affected by: teenage relationship abuse, domestic abuse in the home; rape and sexual violence; and child sexual exploitation.

They also carry out a range of prevention and awareness raising work in schools and communities through their TRAPPED, VIVA and Inside Out programmes.

For further information and referral routes, please visit: Black Country Rape & Sexual Violence Service – Black Country Womens Aid