Children’s perspectives on family members’ needs and support after child sexual abuse

‘Letting you share when you need to share’: navigating the potential and precarity of friends and peers for UK young people after sexual abuse in adolescence

“…These roles seem crucial given evidence from wider research that the absence of a trusted person to talk to about an experience of sexual abuse can negatively impact wellbeing (Allnock & Miller, 2013;Reitsema & Grietens, 2016). Similarly, examples of the ways support can operate, although quantifiably small, echo similar accounts given in previous studies (Warrington et al, 2017) and strengthen evidence of the role of friends in supporting young people's disclosure of sexual abuse to adults. Conversely, and echoing findings from existing research, friendships can also prove precarious for young people at a time of intense vulnerability with peer groups becoming a source of secondary victimisation (Allnock & Atkinson, 2019).…”

‘It's like a much deeper understanding and you kind of believe them more …’: The value of peer support for young people affected by sexual violence

“…The relationship was also perceived as important for creating space for choice and ‘normality’ (taking part in age‐appropriate everyday activities), again elements that are often distorted in exploitative and abusive relationships. Interestingly, research identifies that these elements, supporting choice, voice and a sense of ‘normality’, may be overlooked by those providing traditional services to children and young people affected by sexual violence (Brodie et al ., 2016; Warrington et al ., 2017). Numerous respondents emphasised that participating in peer mentoring was voluntary and that young people could choose to engage or not.…”

“…Experiencing sexual trauma in childhood can leave those affected with a range of long‐lasting and wide‐reaching effects (Browne & Finkelhor, 1986; Fisher et al ., 2017; Warrington et al ., 2017). Although the impacts may vary and fluctuate over the course of a life span, commonly reported effects comprise a sense of powerlessness, isolation, stigma, shame, self‐blame, loss of control and lack of trust (Browne & Finkelhor, 1986; Warrington et al ., 2017).…”

“…In the later stages of recovery, forging positive social connections and maintaining healthy relationships in which young people can experience safety and stability can crucially counter some of the specific effects of sexual trauma (Bovarnick & Cody, 2021; Herman, 1997). Given the impacts on feelings of trust and safety, it is not surprising that ‘the relationship’ between a young person affected by sexual violence and the individual supporting them is consistently identified as being key to the success of any programme of support (Brodie et al ., 2016; Pearce et al ., 2013; Scott et al ., 2019; Warrington et al ., 2017). This is particularly relevant when working with adolescents as many responses to sexual violence that fall outside of statutory child protection plans require the voluntary engagement of young people (Brandon et al ., 2020).…”

‘Keeping the informal safe’: Strategies for developing peer support initiatives for young people who have experienced sexual violence

“…The literature indicates that professionals are concerned about the risks of bringing young people with histories of exploitation together (Frost, 2019). However, research that has sought to understand the experiences and needs of young people affected by the issue, acknowledges the value of peer interaction and group work with others who have faced similar experiences (Gilligan, 2016; Hagell, 2013; Smeaton, 2013; Warrington, 2013; Warrington et al, 2017). Peer support provision for young people affected by CSE in the UK is limited which means so too is the evidence base.…”