December 2025 – Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)
Join us this December Forum Week for a week of compelling and informative webinars bringing together national and local perspectives dedicated to deepening understanding, strengthening practice, and enhancing multi-agency responses to Child Sexual Abuse (CSA).
Each day brings together leading voices and organisations to explore critical themes—from national policy developments and safeguarding in sport, to trauma-informed medical approaches and sibling sexual abuse. Highlights include insights from the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, NSPCC, Barnardo’s, SARSAS, Youth Justice, Probation Services, and SASP. Whether you’re working in the voluntary sector, education, justice, health system, or children’s services this week offers essential learning, practical tools, and collaborative opportunities to support children and young people affected by CSA.
Monday 1st December
National Learning on Child Sexual Abuse and Local Implementation
The session featured an overview from Sally Shearer OBE of the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel on their impactful report “I Wanted Them All to Notice”, offering critical insights into systemic learning from recent reviews and explored how national recommendations were being implemented locally to strengthen safeguarding practices.
Watch the live podcast recording with Sally Shearer OBE – National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, Margaret Brookes – SSCP Business Manager and Chair of the “Strengthening Responses to CSA” working group and Kerry Male – Dept. Designated Nurse for Safeguarding and lead on the Responding to CSA Policy.
Tuesday 2nd December
Understanding and Responding to CSA perpetrated by siblings
The session featured leading experts from the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, who presented key findings on prevalence, barriers to reporting, signs and indicators of abuse, and resources to support practitioners. Attendees also heard from SARSAS, which offered practical insights into support and intervention and explored the impact of sibling abuse. To conclude, the session shared approaches to assessing risk and delivering effective interventions for young people affected by CSA.
Wednesday 3rd December:
Supporting Victims of CSA
Join us for this session focused supporting victims of Sexual Abuse, including ensuring responses are trauma-informed. Experts from The Bridge Sexual Assault Referral Centre will share insights into conducting CSA medicals, highlighting best practices in supporting children through sensitive assessments. The session also features Barnardo’s Phoenix Project, showcasing their impactful work in supporting victims of CSA and promoting recovery through specialist interventions. This webinar is essential for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding and improve outcomes for children and young people affected by CSA.
Thursday 4th December:
Protecting Children from CSA
Join us to explore safeguarding strategies and support systems surrounding child sexual abuse (CSA). The session discusses protecting children from individuals who may pose a risk, alongside the Lucy Faithfull Foundation presenting their impactful ‘Stop It Now’ campaign and insights into online sexual behaviours. The Foundation will also share approaches to supporting both victims and perpetrators, as well as practical guidance for professionals working in this complex and sensitive area. This session is essential for anyone involved in safeguarding, justice, or therapeutic support.
Friday 5th December:
CSA Initiatives and Resources
Wrap up the week with Friday’s invaluable session focused on safeguarding and healthy relationships for children and young people. SASP will lead a session on Safeguarding in Sport, highlighting best practices for creating safe environments across activity and club settings. Rounding off the week we are also joined by the NSPCC presenting their Talk Relationships programme and other initiatives offering valuable resources and guidance to support professionals in delivering effective relationships education. This session is ideal for those working in education settings, sports clubs, youth work, and safeguarding, providing practical tools and knowledge to strengthen protection and support for young people.
If you’ve been affected by sexual abuse, here are some helplines and support services you can reach out to:
- National Helplines: Free and confidential support for survivors of sexual violence or abuse
- 24/7 Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Line: For anyone 16+ who has been affected by sexual violence or abuse
- Survivors Trust: Information, advice, and support for survivors of sexual violence and abuse
- Rape Crisis: Offers free, confidential support for victims of sexual violence and abuse
- Safeline: Provides specialist support for men and boys affected by sexual violence and abuse.
- Call the Mind Mental Health Support Line and Access Other Mental Health Support
Forum Week Resource Hub
Below, you can find links to a range of elements covered in our Forum Weeks, including videos and presentations from our events.