Child Protection Guidance 2021

Part 4: Specific support needs and concerns 160 National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2021 Version 1.0 September 2021 4.179 The impact of CSA is affected by the interaction of many factors including the age when it started, the nature and duration of the abuse and the relationship with the perpetrator. There are many mediating variables to do with non-abusive adults, the child and their wider environment. A distinctive interaction of risk and resilience factors plays out for each person in their world, over time. Effects often endure throughout adult life. They affect physical and mental health, family and intimate relationships, faith, education and work. Victims and survivors can also be more likely to experience sexual, physical or emotional abuse again (Fisher et al 2017). Those traumatised by CSA may be disproportionately represented in prison, homeless facilities and psychiatric care (Nelson 2017). However, appropriate support and therapy can promote recovery. 4.180 Supervision and training is essential for development and support for the skills and knowledge that open rather than close doors for children; and informs confident work with families. Practitioners need both critical consultation and support in emotional territory that may have disturbing resonance. 4.181 There have been fluctuations in reporting of sexual abuse in the UK. This may be linked to fluctuations in public awareness and attitude following high profile inquiries. 4.182 Prevention, interruption and deterrence of child sexual abuse requires strong collaborative intent within national policy, public and community education, parenting support, and evolving technological strategies. Children’s Services Plans provide an opportunity to develop community or parent/child-focused prevention strategies to aid the identification or prevention of child sexual abuse in the family environment, as well as the recognition and interruption of wider exploitation. Child protection guidance is just a part of the foundation for protective action. 4.183 Resources supporting early recognition and prevention of child sexual abuse have been developed for individuals, families and practitioners by ‘Stop It Now’ (Scotland) at: https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/stop-it-now-scotland/resources/ a nd https://www. theupstreamproject.org.uk/identify . The Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse (Home - CSA Centre) provides access to research, practice knowledge and training to improve prevention and response. NSPCC offers resources and advice for those worried about child sexual abuse (Preventing Child Sexual Abuse & Keeping Children Safe | NSPCC, What Parents Need to Know About Sexual Grooming | NSPCC) .