It's never too late to report historic abuse but you do not have to if you don't want to. Some people report non-recent abuse to stop the offender abusing other children. Some find that reporting gives them a sense of closure and helps them to start moving on.

There are several barriers that you may face. Here are some common ones:

1. Feelings of Shame and Embarrassment: Survivors of abuse often feel ashamed or embarrassed about their experiences, which can prevent them from speaking out.

2. Fear of Negative Response: The fear of not being believed or facing negative consequences after disclosure can discourage survivors from sharing their experiences.

3. Attitudes Toward Sexuality, Masculinity, and Gender: Societal norms and stereotypes can influence how survivors perceive their own experiences and whether they feel comfortable disclosing abuse.

4. Uncertainty About What Constitutes Abuse: Some individuals may struggle to recognise abusive behaviour, especially if it doesn’t fit common stereotypes.

5. Difficulty Communicating About Child Sexual Abuse: Expressing traumatic experiences can be challenging, particularly for children who lack the vocabulary to describe what happened.

Non-recent child abuse, also known as historical abuse, refers to instances where an adult was abused as a child or young person under the age of 18. It doesn’t matter whether the abuse occurred recently or many years ago—there’s no excuse for abuse. If you’ve experienced historical abuse, it’s essential to recognise that it was never your fault.

The impact of child abuse can last a lifetime, affecting your health, relationships, education, and overall wellbeing. Some potential effects include emotional difficulties (such as anger, anxiety, or low self-esteem), mental health problems (like depression or self-harm), and struggles with parenting or relationships. Remember, it’s never too late to seek help.

If you want to report historical abuse, consider the following steps:

1. Contact the police: Reporting the incident to the police is crucial. You’ll receive a police reference number, which can serve as evidence for any compensation claims or legal proceedings.

2. Speak to someone: Reach out to a friend, family member, or a professional who can provide support and guidance.

3. Seek professional help: Therapists, counsellors, or support organisations can assist you in processing your experiences and coping with the impact of abuse.

Remember that you deserve to be believed and supported. If you’re worried about a child experiencing abuse, you can also contact the NSPCC Helpline at 0808 800 5000 or email help@NSPCC.org.uk.

When seeking justice for historical abuse, gathering evidence is crucial. Here are the steps you can take:

1. Report to the Police: Start by reporting the incident to the police. Provide a detailed statement of what happened and details about the abuser. You can do this by visiting your local police station or calling 101.

2. Investigation Process:

   • The police will re-open the file if you’ve already reported it. They may interview anyone who supported you at the time (friends, relatives, or your GP).

   • Provide details of any other witnesses who can corroborate your report.

   • The police may attempt to gather forensic evidence (though this can be challenging due to the time that has passed).

   • They might access your medical records with your consent.

   • If you want to prosecute, they may arrest and interview the abuser.

3. After the Investigation:

   • The police pass the file to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

   • The CPS decides whether there’s enough evidence and if it’s in the public interest to charge and convict the abuser.

   • If a court process follows, you’ll need to give evidence during the trial.

Securing a prosecution for historical abuse is difficult, but you may seek legal compensation using the steps mentioned above. Medical evidence and a police reference number are essential.

You can report historical abuse to the police no matter how long ago it happened. To do so anonymously, you can start by calling 101 and briefly explaining your situation. They’ll connect you with the right team for support. Additionally, Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) can assist you in making an informed decision about reporting and provide support throughout the process.

Your voice deserves to be heard, and you don’t have to go through this alone.

Certainly! If you’ve experienced abuse in the past, it’s essential to consider your well-being and safety. While I’m not a legal professional, I can offer some general information:

1. Legal Disclosure: In many jurisdictions, there are no specific time limits for disclosing abuse. You can choose to share your experience with someone you trust, such as a counsellor, therapist, or legal advisor. They can guide you on the best course of action based on your circumstances.

2. Emotional Considerations: Disclosing past abuse can be emotionally challenging. It’s essential to prioritise your mental and physical health. Seek support from friends, family, or a professional if needed.

3. Statute of Limitations: Laws regarding the statute of limitations for reporting abuse vary by location and type of abuse. Some offences have longer timeframes for reporting, while others may have none. Consulting a legal expert can provide accurate information for your specific situation.

There are two main avenues for seeking compensation:

1. Direct Claim Against the Perpetrator or Employer:

   • If the abuser is still alive and has the means to pay compensation, you can make a personal injury claim directly against them or their employer (if applicable).

   • For example, if the abuse occurred within an organization (such as a school), you might claim against the institution if they failed in their duty of care.

   • Background checks and other preventive measures play a role in establishing liability.

2. Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA):

   • The CICA is a government body that awards compensation to victims of criminal injuries.

   • You can claim through the CICA if the perpetrator is deceased, unknown, or unable to pay compensation.

   • They handle claims for mental or physical injuries resulting from crimes in Great Britain.

Seeking legal advice is crucial to navigate the process effectively.

Yes, it is possible to report historic domestic abuse in the UK, similar to reporting historical sexual abuse. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact the Police: If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, you can report it to the police. Call 999 if there’s an ongoing emergency or if life is in danger. You can also call 101 to start the process of reporting non-recent abuse.

2. Risk Assessment: The police will conduct a risk assessment to determine the level of risk you currently face (standard, medium, or high). If you’re away from the abuser and not considered high risk, they’ll likely schedule an appointment to discuss your case.

3. Evidence: Even without current evidence, consider any medical reports related to injuries sustained during the abuse. Statements from family, friends, or colleagues who witnessed your injuries can also be valuable. If children witnessed the abuse when they were younger, their statements can be powerful evidence.

4. Detailed Statement: The police will take a detailed statement from you about what happened. They’ll use this to arrest the perpetrator.

5. Prosecution: The evidence collected will be reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to determine if there’s a reasonable chance of conviction. If necessary, be prepared to go to court and give evidence.

Remember that you’re not alone, and there are support services available to help you through this process.

If you decide to proceed, know that your courage can make a difference in preventing further harm.

Emotional or psychological abuse

Emotional abuse often coexists with other forms of abuse, and it is the most difficult to identify. Many of its potential consequences, such as learning and speech problems and delays in physical development, can also occur in children who are not being emotionally abused.

One of the main co-existing forms of abuse is Verbal abuse is one of the most challenging forms of abuse to prove. Unlike physical abuse, it doesn’t leave visible scars or other tangible evidence. Verbal abuse includes consistent belittling, name-calling, and spoken threats, making it insidious and hurtful. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, consider seeking professional help and support.

If you’ve experienced historical coercive control, you can take the following steps:

1. Report to the Police: Coercive control is a criminal offense in England and Wales. You can report it to the police, even if you don’t have other evidence. Your statement itself is considered evidence.

2. Apply for Protection: You may also be able to apply to the Family Court for protection.

If you’re in immediate danger, call 999 or text 0800 112 999 for emergency assistance. Seek support from someone who understands and take steps to protect yourself and your children.

In the UK, therapists and counsellors who have a private practice are not legally required to report past abuse, including child sexual abuse, general abuse, or neglect. However, this decision is ethical and personal, and they can consult with their supervisor to determine the best course of action. If the abusive behaviour is not significant, therapists may choose to work with the client to help them leave a harmful relationship.

Keep in mind that most professionals, including therapists, may be obligated to disclose information regarding serious offences to the police under certain circumstances.