Types of Child Sexual Abuse

There are two types of sexual abuse – contact and non-contact abuse. And sexual abuse can happen in person or online.


The guidance and toolkit primary focus is on Intra-Familial Child Sexual abuse and peer to peer harmful sexual behaviour, we recognise that this sometimes takes place alongside other forms of extra-familial abuse. We have therefore set out short accounts of some types of extra-familial child sexual abuse below. The Plymouth response to Child sexual exploitation co-ordinated through the Adolescent Safety Framework – Plymouth Safeguarding Children Partnership (plymouthscb.co.uk)

The guidance and toolkit primary focus is on Intra-Familial Child Sexual abuse and peer to peer harmful sexual behaviour, we recognise that this sometimes takes place alongside other forms of extra-familial abuse. We have therefore set out short accounts of some types of extra-familial child sexual abuse below. The Plymouth response to Child sexual exploitation is delivered through the Adolescent Missing and Child Exploitation group but close working arrangements are in place across strategies. 
Intrafamilial sexual abuse – The CSA Centre of expertise states ‘There is no single agreed definition of intra-familial child sexual abuse. However, it is generally recognised that, in addition to abuse by a relative (such as a parent, sibling or grandparent), it may include abuse by others closely linked with or considered to be ‘one of the family’, such as a foster carer or a parent’s partner. This understanding is in accordance with Crown Prosecution Service guidelines on the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which state:

These offences reflect the modern family unit and take account of situations where someone is living within the same household as a child and assuming a position of trust or authority over that child, as well as relationships defined by blood ties, adoption, fostering, marriage or living together as partners. (Crown Prosecution Service 2022)

Sibling sexual abuse – The CSA centre of expertise states ‘ Incidents of sexual behaviour between siblings may be quite common, and where there is no underlying inequality of power they are not necessarily abusive. However, abusive sexual behaviour by a sibling can have long-term impacts and is potentially as serious as other forms of sexual abuse within the family. Research with adult survivors of abusive sexual behaviour by siblings suggests that such abuse often occurs within a family context where there is domestic violence, physical punishment and parent–child sexual abuse. In the most abusive families there may be multiple abusive relationships: children may be abused by and abuse other siblings, witness abuse and/or attempt to protect younger siblings.

Sibling sexual behaviour: A guide to responding to inappropriate, problematic and abusive behaviour (csacentre.org.uk)

Harmful, problematic, peer-on-peer sexual behaviour – What is problematic sexual behaviour? Problematic sexual behaviour (PSB) is developmentally inappropriate or socially unexpected sexualised behaviour which doesn’t have an overt element of victimisation or abuse.

What is harmful sexual behaviour? Harmful sexual behaviour (HSB) is developmentally inappropriate sexual behaviour displayed by children and young people which is harmful or abusive1.

What is peer-on-peer sexual abuse? Peer-on-peer sexual abuse is a form of HSB where sexual abuse takes place between children of a similar age or stage of development. Child-on-child sexual abuse is a form of HSB that takes place between children of any age or stage of development.

Understanding sexual offending – For information and guidance on sexual abuse perpetrated by adults there is a really useful guide A new typology of child sexual abuse offending (csacentre.org.uk)

Child sexual exploitation – is a form of child sexual abuse. The exploitation usually takes the form of young people being given things in exchange for sexual activities; this can include gifts, drugs, or money, but can also include status or perceived affection. Many young people who are sexually exploited will not recognise this exploitation or abuse and will see themselves as being in a loving and consensual relationship. Young people can be sexually exploited within gangs, individually or online.

Gang sexual exploitation – Gangs use sexual violence to humiliate and degrade young people in order to gain power and control and for the purpose of initiation. Young people may be invited to gatherings with others to use drugs and alcohol and may then experience sexual abuse from one or multiple abusers. It can be extremely difficult for young people to escape gangs due to the level of fear and intimidation they experience.

Online sexual exploitation and abuse – can involve children and young people being persuaded or coerced into sexual conversations, sharing sexually explicit pictures of themselves, or filming sexual acts. Abusers can use this information to further coerce and control the young person through feelings of shame, threats of harm or sharing information further online or with people they know. Online sexual exploitation may lead to face-to-face contact and further sexual abuse. If you are concerned that a child is being sexually exploited online, or you are aware of an adult perpetrating sexual abuse online, please report this to the Child Exploitation and and Online Protection Command (CEOP) via CEOP Safety Centre

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