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If the suspected abuser is a family member
It can feel frightening and confusing when the person you suspect is part of your family. You may worry about causing conflict, not being believed, or making things worse. Even so, child sexual abuse concerns should always be taken seriously and reported.
You do not need proof before speaking to the police. If you suspect a child is at risk, it is enough to share what you know, what you have seen, and why you are worried. The police and children’s services can then assess the situation.
How to report the concern
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away. If it is not an emergency, contact your local police force using 101 or report online if that option is available in your area. You can also contact your local authority children’s social care team.
When you report, give clear facts if you can. Include the child’s name, age, address, the suspected abuser’s name and relationship to the child, and details of any concerning behaviour, comments, injuries, or changes you have noticed.
If you are worried about speaking directly to local police because the suspected abuser is in the family, you can ask to speak to a safeguarding officer. You can also make a report anonymously in some cases, though giving your contact details may help with follow-up questions.
What to say to the police
Try to keep your report factual and specific. Say what you saw, heard, or were told, and avoid guessing or adding details you are unsure about. If the child has disclosed anything to you, make a note of their exact words as soon as possible.
Tell the police if the child may still be in contact with the suspected abuser. Mention any immediate risks, such as unsupervised visits, shared accommodation, or access to the child’s school or phone. This helps the police judge urgency.
Protecting the child and yourself
Do not confront the suspected abuser yourself if this could place the child or anyone else at risk. It is usually safer to let the police or social services handle the investigation. If needed, you can plan how to keep the child away from the suspected person while concerns are assessed.
You may want to keep a private record of dates, incidents, and anything the child says. Store this safely and do not share it with people who may pass it on to the suspected abuser. If the family situation is tense, think carefully about your own safety too.
Getting support
Reporting abuse within a family can be emotionally hard. You can ask the police or children’s services what happens next and whether specialist support is available. In many areas, charities and advocacy services can help you understand the process.
If you are a parent, relative, or family friend, you can still seek advice even if you are unsure what will happen. The most important step is to share your concerns promptly so the child can be protected. If you believe a child is at risk, act now rather than waiting for more evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Call 999 immediately if a child is in immediate danger or a serious offence may be happening now. If it is not an emergency, contact your local police force on 101 or use their online reporting option.
You can report to the police even when the suspected abuser is a family member. Give the police the facts you know, including names, relationships, locations, dates, and any worries about the child’s safety.
Include the child’s name and age, the suspected abuser’s identity and relationship to the child, what you observed or were told, dates, times, places, and any evidence such as messages, photos, or records.
You can ask the police about anonymous reporting options, but giving your contact details may help them assess risk and follow up. If you fear retaliation, tell the police about your safety concerns.
Yes. You do not need proof to make a report. Police can assess the information and decide what action to take. It is better to report concerns than to wait for certainty if a child may be at risk.
The police may record the report, assess the immediate risk, speak to safeguarding teams, and investigate further. They may also contact children’s social care and other agencies if needed to protect the child.
Only do this if it is safe. In many situations it is safer not to alert the suspected abuser because they may destroy evidence, pressure the child, or increase risk. Focus first on protecting the child and reporting to police.
Yes. A child can report to the police directly, and they should be listened to and supported. If you are an adult helping a child, stay calm, believe them, and report the concern promptly.
Prioritise safety first. If there is immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise report the concern to the police and share any information that may help protect the child, including household details and any access the suspect has to the child.
Yes. Historical abuse can still be reported to the police. Include as much detail as possible about when it happened, where it happened, who was involved, and whether the child or any other children may still be at risk.
You should still report genuine concerns. Explain clearly that you are sharing what you know or suspect, not making assumptions. The police are trained to assess safeguarding risks, and protecting a child is more important than avoiding family tension.
Keep any texts, emails, chat logs, photos, call records, diaries, or notes that may be relevant. Do not alter or delete anything. Make a record of dates, times, and what was said or seen.
Yes. You can report to both the police and children’s social care. In many cases, sharing concerns with both agencies helps ensure the child is safeguarded quickly.
A denial does not end the matter. The police and safeguarding professionals will consider the report, any evidence, and the child’s safety. Continue to share any new information you receive.
The main aim is to keep the child safe. Professionals decide the least disruptive way to protect them. Reporting does not automatically mean removal from home; authorities will assess risk and support options.
Yes. If you think a child may be experiencing inappropriate sexual behaviour, exploitation, or abuse, report it. Police and safeguarding services can assess the child’s circumstances and vulnerability.
If the child remains at risk, keep monitoring for immediate danger and report any new incidents right away. Follow any advice from police or safeguarding services and avoid confronting the suspected abuser if that could increase risk.
Police try to handle reports sensitively, but they may need to share information with safeguarding agencies to protect the child. Tell them if you have privacy or safety concerns so they can take those into account.
Use 999 if a child is in immediate danger or a crime is happening now. Use 101 for non-emergency police reporting. You can also use your local police force’s website or child protection referral routes.
Yes. You can ask the police, local safeguarding services, or specialist support organisations for advice and emotional support. If you are in distress, reach out to a trusted professional, helpline, or support service as well.
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