If you were abused as a child

Every fact on this page comes from legislation.gov.uk, GOV.UK and the helplines’ own websites. We last checked it on 6 October 2026. Each helpline shows the date we last checked it. This is general information, not legal advice.

If you’re under 19 now

You can talk to Childline about anything, whatever is happening.

What childhood abuse is

Childhood abuse is harm done to a child, or a failure to protect a child from harm. It can be sexual, physical or emotional abuse, or neglect, where a child’s basic needs aren’t met. It can be done by an adult or by another child. It can happen at home, in care, at school, in a religious setting, in a club or team, or online.

Growing up with domestic abuse at home can harm a child too, even if the abuse was aimed at someone else.

Why it can come up later

Many people don’t talk about abuse until years later. Some people only start to understand what happened when they are adults. Memories can come back at different times in life. All of this is common, and it doesn’t change what happened or your right to support.

Childhood trauma can affect adults long after the abuse ended, in how you feel, sleep or get on with other people. Read how abuse can affect you.

It was not your fault

A child is never responsible for abuse, whatever they did or didn’t say or do at the time. Responsibility always lies with the person who abused them.

Helplines for adults abused as children

HAVOCA (Help for Adult Victims Of Child Abuse) is run by survivors for adult survivors of child abuse. It has an online forum and resources, but no phone line.

If you are worried that a child is being abused now, the NSPCC Helpline is there for any adult with concerns about a child.

In Scotland and Northern Ireland

More specialist support

Our Support Directory lists organisations for people abused as children, people who grew up in care and abuse in faith settings.

Your options

You may be able to report historical child abuse to the police, however long ago it happened: see the criminal process. Some people can also get compensation or redress.

This page gives information, not legal or medical advice.

Where this information comes from

• GOV.UK: Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 (England), glossary
• legislation.gov.uk: Domestic Abuse Act 2021, section 3 (children as victims)
• legislation.gov.uk: Crime and Policing Act 2026, section 96, inserting sections 11ZA and 11ZB of the Limitation Act 1980
• legislation.gov.uk: Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, sections 17A and 17D
• legislation.gov.uk: Limitation (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, articles 7 and 50
• HAVOCA
• Each helpline’s own website, linked on its card

Checked on 6 October 2026. Laws and helpline hours can change, so check the official pages before you act.