What are the warning signs of child sexual abuse?
Wellstop(external link) recommend that parents and caregivers look out for the following warning signs that a child may have experienced sexual abuse. It’s important to remember that one sign alone doesn't mean that a child was or is being sexually abused. However, when multiple signs are seen together you should seek help.
Concerned about your own thoughts or behaviours?
If you are concerned about your own activity or someone else’s sexual behaviour, talking to a professional can help.
New Zealand based services
- Stand Strong, Walk Tall(external link) is a programme that provides free specialist therapeutic services for adults in New Zealand who experience sexual attraction to children or young people under 16.
- Safe to talk(external link) is a sexual harm helpline that provides confidential help and support 24/7. You can talk to trained specialists for free on 0800 044 334 or by free texting 4334.
- Safe Network(external link) provide specialist services for concerning and harmful sexual behaviour towards or involving children and minors throughout the upper North Island. For all enquiries phone 09 377 9898 or email help@safenetwork.org.nz.
- WellStop(external link) is a community-based organisation that aims to eliminate harmful sexual behaviour in communities across the lower North Island. For help and support call 04 566 4745 or visit their website.
- STOP(external link) provides community-based assessment and intervention services for adolescents and adults in the South Island who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviour and for children with concerning sexual behaviours. You can contact them on 03 353 0257 or by emailing info@stop.org.nz.
Other international services
- The ReDirection Self-help Program(external link) is an anonymous rehabilitative self-help program which aims to help you adopt a lifestyle without child sexual abuse material.
- Help Wanted(external link) is an online self-guided intervention for adolescents and adults with a sexual interest in children. It consists of five sessions designed to provide tools and resources to stop harmful sexual behaviours and ideations.
- TROUBLED DESIRE(external link) is a free program that includes self-testing, self-help, and anonymous chats with professionals and in-person therapists for harmful sexual behaviours.