Sexual Health | Sexual assault/abuse and medicolegal issues | Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Session Overview
Description
This session describes the indicators of sexual abuse and exploitation in children and young people, with an emphasis on the adolescent age group.

Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the prevalence, risk factors and indicators of child sexual abuse and exploitation
• Identify physical and behavioural signs that could indicate child sexual abuse and exploitation
• Describe referral pathways and specialist agencies to use when concerned about a child or young person

Prerequisites
Before commencing this session you should complete:

• Module 8/Child Sexual Abuse (260-0091)

Child sexual abuse (CSA) and exploitation can be difficult to identify in the adolescent as warning signs can easily be mistaken for 'normal' teenage behaviour.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a criminal act that has a devastating impact upon children and young people and long-term consequences on the mental health wellbeing of adults. Over the last couple of years, CSE has had an increasing national profile following significant investigations, which have led to prosecutions.