Child Sexual Abuse
What is 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 online, and technology can be used to facilitate offline abuse. Males, females and other children can commit acts of sexual abuse. For more information on sexual abuse visit the NSPCC’s website.
The Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre) has produced a series of videos providing information to professionals on identifying and responding to CSA. Click here to view.
If a child is in immediate danger call the Police on 999 or if you are concerned that a child may be at risk of sexual abuse contact the Children and Families Contact Service 020 7974 3317.
The Lighthouse
Service Office
— Full initial multi-disciplinary assessment with the Lighthouse team including health (medical) check and emotional wellbeing assessment
— Advice about the criminal justice process from our Independent Sexual Violence Advisers
— Health follow up that includes physical and sexual health (screening for STIs), immunisation, contraception, sleep and relaxation work
— Emotional wellbeing and mental health support, which may include the NSPCC Letting the Future In service
— Short term support, sign-posting to useful services and resources
— Consultation, training and/or support to local wellbeing practitioners, schools, or health, voluntary sector or social care
— Where appropriate parents may be able to access individual sessions and/or access to a parent psycho-education course
— Some young people may be able to access group work, if they are not within the time frame of a criminal justice process
How to make a referral?
If you suspect child sexual abuse always speak with your local Children’s Social Care service. The Lighthouse service is available to children and young people in Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington. To make a referral, email thelighthouse.ask@nhs.net or call 020 3049 0010.
Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00am–5:00pm
All services are available by a booked appointment.
Telephone: 020 3049 0010
Email: thelighthouse.ask@nhs.net
Website: uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-service/children-and-young-peoples-services/lighthouse
