Non-contact and online sexual abuse

Direct sexual abuse of a child is divided into two types. In contact abuse there is physical sexual contact: touching with a body part or an object, clothed or not, kissing, oral sex and penetration, though it need not be penetrative. In non-contact abuse there is no physical sexual contact involving the child, and it can take place online or in person.

Examples of non-contact abuse include showing a child pornography and involving them in sexual images, videos or online sexual activities. Forcing or persuading a child to perform sexual acts on themselves on camera belongs in this group. Abuse by video call is still abuse, because online abuse is a recognised setting for sexual abuse.

The distinction between the two types depends on physical sexual contact. If a child is directed remotely to have such contact with another person, it is contact abuse, even over clothes. If there is no such contact, and the abuse involves exposure, images, videos or online sexual activity, it is non-contact abuse.

Grooming means building trust with a child so that they can be abused later, and it can happen through the internet. Children often do not realise that they are being abused, especially if they have been groomed, so a denial of touching does not exclude abuse.

Non-contact abuse often leaves no physical signs, so behaviour can give a clue. Online warning signs include an abnormal amount of time online, secrecy about online activity, and being upset after using the internet. Sexual language that is inappropriate for the child's age is one of the more general emotional signs of sexual abuse. These are warning signs rather than proof, and each can have other causes, so a worried clinician should always seek advice from a manager or supervisor, following local safeguarding procedures.