What support is available for historical child abuse?

If you’ve been harmed by child sexual abuse it can take a long time to terms with what happened and feel ready to talk to someone about it. It’s hard, but there are support services available and we recommend you contact them as one of your first steps.

Finding decent support and advice can be part of your healing journey. Support covers everything from opportunities to share your story and experiences with others, through talking to a psychologist and mental health treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

There may also be a possibility of claiming compensation for the abuse. Just doing that can feel empowering. It can make you feel more in control. Switalskis’ lawyers have helped thousands of clients to not only take legal action, but to find the practical and emotional support they need. We’ve put together a list of resources for anyone who was abused as a child. We'll also discuss the ways in which compensation can offer justice, especially if no police action is taken. A financial settlement can never make up for the abuse you experienced, but it can offer you a bridge to a more empowered life.

Services for adult survivors

There are several organisations in the UK that are dedicated specifically to supporting adult survivors of child abuse. They provide relevant services, support and information for adult survivors, which may include counselling, support groups, access to legal advice and other things you might need. In some cases access to these services varies between different regions. It's important to research what’s available in your area to ensure you can get the support you need.

The following organisations are a good place to start.

The Survivors Trust

This is a national umbrella agency for over 120 organisations that provide support for people who have experienced rape, sexual violence, and childhood sexual abuse. Services include counselling, helplines, and advocacy.

SurvivorsUK

This charity is primarily focused on male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, but also offers services to non-binary people. It provides web and SMS chat services, and offers information and support for anyone affected by sexual violence.

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC)

NAPAC offers a range of services specifically for adult survivors of all types of childhood abuse. The charity provides a national support helpline, email support, and resources aimed at helping survivors to cope and recover.

Safeline

This organisation provides specialised services for survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault and rape, including childhood abuse. They offer a national survivor helpline, counselling, support groups, training, and prevention activities, which can help survivors who feel motivated to keep other children safe. 

Mind

Although not solely for survivors of child abuse, Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They have resources that can be particularly helpful for adult survivors of child abuse dealing with mental health issues, including complex PTSD and other common challenges.

Rape Crisis England & Wales

This charity provides frontline specialist, independent and confidential services for people who have experienced any form of sexual violence at any time in their lives. While they are not exclusive to survivors of childhood abuse, many of their services are relevant and accessible to adult survivors, and they provide tailored information for survivors of historical abuse.

These organisations offer unique services that can accommodate the varied needs of adult survivors of child abuse. You can find more information about each of the organisations at the links provided above. Check them out and contact the one that best suits you. For information on further resources that might better suit your needs, read our guide to resources for managing stress and trauma .

An expert solicitor

Speaking to a solicitor about your legal options after you were abused as a child is often the best way to determine your options and access the support you need. The level and type of support available varies based on the survivor's circumstances, the pace of their recovery, and the expertise and support available at the point of disclosure. By working with solicitors with expertise in victim support and in representing survivors who experienced abuse, you can be sure that you'll be in safe hands and have guidance in finding the resources you need.

You’ll probably be able to claim compensation. This approach can be taken even if the police say you can’t prosecute the abuser. Claiming compensation is a way to seek justice even for cases that happened many years ago. You can get compensation for many different types of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional abuse and neglect. One of our solicitors will talk to you about your experiences, help you gather the evidence you need, and submit your claim. That way, we’ll take the burden off your shoulders and allow you to focus on your own health and wellbeing at all times during the claims process.

To discuss whether you are able to claim compensation for child sexual abuse, physical abuse or any other type of childhood trauma, speak to the team at Switalskis. We know how difficult it can be to open up about your experiences and begin sharing. That's why every conversation is confidential - there's never any pressure on you, because our legal services are tailored to your needs and the outcomes you want to pursue.

Get in touch with Switalskis' experts today by calling 0800 138 0458 , or send us an email through our website .