As the child, young person or vulnerable adults main carer, you know them best. Signs of abuse can be subtle, trust your instinct and give them an opportunity to share anything that may be upsetting them.

Changes in behaviour:-

• Clingy, aggressive or quieter or more withdrawn than usual

• Talking about sex and sexual behaviour or having knowledge about sex beyond their age

• Acting out sexual behaviour with proxies such as dolls or soft toys

• Additional toys, money or clothes and being vague where or when they received them.

• Changes in friends, activities or interests (may be a sign)

Grooming

Grooming is a process that ‘involves the offender building a relationship with a child, and sometimes with their wider family, gaining their trust and a position of power over the child, in preparation for abuse’. see NSPPC

Adolescents are at greater risk of physical, sexual or online abuse offences than younger children. see NSPCC.

To report any safeguarding concerns or incidences of abuse, contact your

local authorities’ social services or police. (see safeguarding page)