Glossary

A structured, audio or video‑recorded interview used by police to capture a child’s account of suspected abuse in a way that minimises distress and maximises the quality of evidence.

The civil standard of proof used in safeguarding and family proceedings, meaning something is more likely than not to have happened. This is a lower threshold than the criminal standard used in court.

A specialist advocate who supports children and young people affected by sexual violence through practical help, information, and emotional support.

Sexual abuse of a child or young person by one or more perpetrators where, in return for payment (either financial or other), a perpetrator (‘the seller’) offers other perpetrators (‘buyers’) access to the child or young person for contact abuse and/or creates and sells images (photos or videos) of abuse, e.g. via live-streaming

Child sexual abuse that takes place in an institutional or organisational setting rather than within a family. This can include schools, hospitals, sports clubs, faith settings, care services and other organisations working with children and families.

Any visual or written material that shows or describes the sexual abuse of a child and is used, possessed, or shared by an adult or another child.

Sexual abuse where the perpetrator builds a personal relationship with the child (often online or in person) to groom or coerce them into sexual activity.

Sexual abuse where one adult (“the intermediary”) helps another adult gain access to a child or to sexual images of the child, often seen in child sexual exploitation.

Sexual abuse where a child is directly attacked and sexually assaulted by someone they did not know beforehand, such as a stranger in a public place.

Sexual abuse committed by more than one adult, often organised or connected through networks, where the child is abused by several perpetrators.

Sexual abuse that happens primarily over the internet, where the perpetrator encourages, deceives, or coerces a child to take part in sexual activity, including live‑streamed abuse.

Sexual abuse by someone who holds a position of authority or trust over the child, such as a teacher, coach, youth worker, or faith‑group leader.

Abuse where the focus is on adults viewing, keeping, or distributing sexual images of children, even if they did not create or directly abuse the child themselves.

Sexual abuse of a child or young person by an adult family member, or by an adult who is connected to the family or to one of its members.

A form of child sexual abuse in which an individual or group uses an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or young person under 18 into sexual activity, often involving some form of exchange, and sometimes involving technology rather than physical contact.

A court order used to help safeguard a child, even where there is no criminal charge or conviction. Examples in the documents include Sexual Risk Orders and Child Abduction Warning Notices.

A scheme that may provide financial compensation to victims of violent crime, including sexual abuse reported to the police, even if there is no prosecution or conviction.

The agency that reviews police evidence and decides whether a suspect should be charged, based on legal tests for prosecution.

The main evidence given by a witness for the prosecution. In child sexual abuse cases, a child’s ABE interview often serves as their evidence-in-chief.

Sexual abuse of a child by someone outside the family, such as a stranger, peer, or adult known to the child but not living in the home.

A qualified social‑work‑trained professional who advises the family court on what is in the best interests of a child, including in cases where there are concerns of intra‑familial sexual abuse.

A medical examination that may take place after sexual abuse has been reported, to check the child’s health and, where appropriate, gather forensic evidence. In some guidance this is also referred to as a paediatric medical examination or assessment.

A process in which a child or young person is manipulated, pressured or prepared for sexual abuse. Grooming can happen in person or online and may be part of how offenders gain trust, create secrecy or increase control.

Sexual behaviour shown by a child or young person under 18 that is developmentally inappropriate, may be harmful to themselves or others, or may be abusive. The term covers a continuum from inappropriate and problematic behaviour to abusive and violent behaviour.

A situation where the jury cannot reach a verdict. This may lead to the CPS deciding whether to seek a retrial.

Sexual abuse of a child by someone within the family or household, such as a parent, sibling, extended family member, or someone living with the family.

The legal test police must apply when deciding whether an arrest is necessary and proportionate.

A phrase used when police decide not to proceed further at that point, without implying that abuse did not happen.

A parent or carer who is not considered to have been involved in sexually abusing the child, even if they may previously have come to agencies’ attention for other reasons.

The police officer responsible for leading or coordinating the investigation and acting as a main point of contact for the child and family.

A term used for someone thought to pose a risk to a child, whether or not they have been charged with an offence.

Bail imposed before any charge is brought, usually with conditions designed to manage risk and protect others while the investigation continues.

A specialist communication professional who helps vulnerable witnesses understand questions and communicate their answers clearly in interviews or court.

When a suspect is released without bail conditions while the investigation continues.

A process where a child’s cross-examination is recorded in advance of the full trial so they can give evidence earlier and avoid waiting until the trial date.

A detailed assessment by children’s social care, at the court’s direction, to decide whether a child is likely to suffer significant harm, including from sexual abuse, and what orders may be needed.

A formal investigation by children’s social care into concerns that a child may be suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm, including sexual abuse. Also called a child protection enquiry.

An order that restricts a parent from making further applications about a child for a set period, sometimes used in cases where a parent has sexually abused their child.

A specialist service that can provide medical care, practical help and emotional support to children and adults after sexual abuse or assault. SARCs have specially trained healthcare staff and can offer support whether or not a forensic examination takes place.

A civil order that can place restrictions on a person believed likely to cause sexual harm, even without a criminal conviction.

Sexual abuse that takes place between siblings. It can involve harmful, abusive or violent sexual behaviour and may cause sexual, emotional and physical harm.

Adjustments used in court to help vulnerable witnesses give their best evidence, such as video links, screens, recorded evidence, or intermediary support.

The CPS process for informing victims about decisions such as dropping or significantly changing charges, and offering explanations or meetings where appropriate.

The scheme that allows victims to ask for certain CPS decisions not to charge or not to proceed to be reviewed.

A court order protecting the identity of a witness, including in sexual offence cases involving children.

The police-linked service that supports witnesses from the point of charge through the progress of a case, including updates and practical arrangements.