As adults, we want to keep children as safe as possible. When we notice signs that something might not be right, it’s important to know where to turn rather than feeling unsure or alone. Help is available. We can talk through your concerns and guide you on next steps.
Emergency help
If a child is in immediate danger or at risk, phone 000.
Warning signs that a child may have been abused or exploited
If you have noticed any behavioural changes in children, or the adults around them, it can be helpful to explore why these changes may be happening. Sometimes subtle shifts, like a child becoming withdrawn or beginning to wet the bed, can be signs that harm may be occurring.
For more information about warning signs to look out for in adults, please visit the page concerned about an adult’s thoughts or behaviours towards children.
When a child is abused, often they will not tell anyone, but they may show signs and symptoms that adults can look out for. The impact of child sexual abuse can significantly impact the way a child understands the world, and this can lead to changes in personality and behaviour.
To better understand the potential signs of child sexual abuse in children, refer to the National Office for Child Safety’s page on ‘Signs and indicators of child sexual abuse’, which outlines common physical, behavioural and emotional warning signs. These may include changes in mood or behaviour, age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviour, fear of certain people or places, and unexplained injuries or health issues. Recognising these signs early can help adults take appropriate action to keep children safe.
While signs and symptoms may indicate that sexual abuse could have occurred, their presence alone does not confirm that abuse has taken place. The most important thing is to pay attention to any changes you notice, and take the action needed to keep children safe. We encourage you to reach out for support and guidance to Stop It Now! Australia or Bravehearts if you are worried about any of these warning signs. If you are concerned that your child may have experienced abuse, it is important to get them the support they need.
Trust your gut and reach out for support and advice.
Responding to a disclosure of child sexual abuse
If a child discloses abuse, it is important to remain calm and reassure them that you believe them. Speaking about abuse can be very difficult for children, so it is important they feel safe and fully supported. Give them the opportunity to share what has happened in their own words, and at their own pace. Remind them that this is not their fault and you are here to help.
It is important that following a disclosure, you write down what the child said and take the steps needed to get them the help they need. This can include seeking appropriate therapeutic support related to the child’s wellbeing and recovery, reporting to relevant agencies, and implementing child protection measures, such as ensuring they do not have contact with the person who has perpetrated the abuse. You may also wish to access support for yourself during this time.
The National Office for Child Safety provides guidance on responding to disclosures of child sexual abuse. For more information, visit Responding to child sexual abuse disclosures on the National Office for Child Safety website.
You can also access additional resources from Bravehearts to support you when responding to disclosures.
We are here to help you
We offer anonymous support and can talk you through your worries. Please call the free and anonymous Stop It Now! helpline on 1800 01 1800 for advice, support and information.
For more information and support on teaching children about personal safety, visit the Bravehearts website. You may find it beneficial to reach out to Bravehearts directly on 1800 272 831 to discuss your concerns and access further support.
You may also find the What’s ok? Australia website helpful. It is a national, anonymous and free to access online early intervention service for children and young people who are concerned about their own or someone else’s sexual thoughts or behaviours We are also developing content for parents, carers and professionals.
The What’s ok? Australia website will offer evidence-informed guidance on topics such as pornography use, illegal online behaviours, consent, respectful relationships, and understanding appropriate, problematic and harmful sexual behaviours.
Support and Wellbeing
We recognise that some of the content on this page may be distressing, particularly for victim-survivors of sexual abuse. If this content raises any concerns or personal experiences for you, support is available. You may wish to contact one of the support services listed on this page or reach out to a trusted professional for help.
Disclaimer
Before you continue using this website, please read our disclaimer.
On this website, “child” or “children” refers to anyone under the age of 18.