Information for Children & Young People
If you are a young person and have been affected by sexual violence/abuse, or you are a parent supporting a child who has experienced sexual abuse, RASASC is here for support.
What is Sexual Violence?
Sexual violence is any unwanted sexual act or behaviour.
It can happen to anyone and it is never your fault.
It includes:
- Sexual abuse: Any act that forces or manipulates someone into sexual activity against their will, or when they are too young to consent.
- Sexual assault: This includes any unwanted physical sexual contact, like touching, kissing, or rape.
- Sexual harassment: Unwanted comments, messages, images, or attention that is sexual in nature.
If it made you feel uncomfortable, scared, pressured, or unsafe, then it is wrong.
What to expect with our support
Robins Story:
I was sexually abused by someone from school. I was confused… why did it happen? Was it my fault?
I withdrew from friends, I felt shame and was flooded with emotions. I plucked up the courage to tell my mum what happened. She helped me to access support from RASASC, where I was given the opportunity to open up without my mum in the room, which made me feel safe and more relaxed. I completed an assessment and was then referred for counselling, which started a few weeks later. With the support from my therapist we agreed that my mum would stay in the waiting room and if we felt it would be helpful then we would bring her into the room. I felt in control and I spoke about my experience when I was ready. I was taught coping strategies to help manage my emotions and we focused on re-building my self-esteem.
“Thanks to RASASC I have my sparkle back, as I now understand that it wasn’t my fault”.
Information and Guidance
More information
Dealing with triggering media
This page has been created to offer gentle guidance and supportive strategies to help you look after your emotional wellbeing when you encounter this kind of content. You are in control of what feels safe for you, and it is okay to step back or take a break whenever you need to.
If you have been recently assaulted
If you have recently been assaulted you may wish to report it to the police by calling them directly. If you are not sure about contacting the police please consider contacting your local Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). Your immediate health and forensic needs will be met through attending a SARC, it is important that this is done as…
Myths vs Facts
It’s common for misconceptions about sexual abuse and sexual violence to shape how people think, talk, and respond to survivors. These myths can create barriers to seeking support, increase feelings of isolation, and sometimes lead to victim-blaming attitudes. At RASASC Cheshire & Merseyside, we want to challenge these misunderstandings and replace them with accurate, compassionate…
What our service users say
