Working Together 2023 definition for sexual abuse is as follows:

'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 or non-penetrative acts. They may also include non-contact activities, such as 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. Sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.

Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse published its final report on 20 October 2022 calling for urgent action to ensure children are better protected from sexual abuse. The report makes 20 recommendations to government and other institutions.

This was the culmination of 7 years of work and the amalgamation of thousands of children and young people’s experiences of abuse. It makes for sad, harrowing reading. Sadly, many times when children reported abuse, they were not believed, and no action was taken.

You can read:

• a short summary of the recommendations of the review
• the Executive Summary (provides more context and key findings as well as recommendations) 
• the full report.

Beech House Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

Beech House SARC offers a comprehensive service for adults and children in Kent and Medway, who have experienced sexual violence or sexual abuse. You can access Beech House via the police and other professionals, as well as the self-referral pathway (booking an appointment at the SARC, without the police).

You will be offered support and guidance, a medical assessment/treatment, a forensic examination, and the opportunity of aftercare referrals for support services.  These services will be offered based on your individual needs, and you can choose to use as much or as little of the services as you wish.

Visit Beech House SARC website for more information.

To help Kent professionals understand the Kent SARC, a short video has been produced.