The Royal College of Psychiatrists has issued a public apology to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, acknowledging that many have not received the understanding and support they needed when speaking about their experiences.

The apology is an important recognition of something survivors and those who support them have highlighted for many years: the effects of childhood sexual abuse can continue long into adulthood, while disclosing what happened can itself be an incredibly difficult process.

For those of us who work with survivors of child sexual abuse, the findings reinforce why survivors must be listened to, believed and supported in a way that recognises the lasting impact abuse can have on every aspect of a person's life.

Why disclosing childhood sexual abuse can be so difficult

Many survivors do not speak about childhood sexual abuse until years or even decades after it happened.

Estimates suggest that almost one in ten adults in England and Wales experienced sexual abuse during childhood, while many survivors do not disclose their experiences to services during childhood.

The Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse estimates that around 500,000 children experience some form of sexual abuse each year in England and Wales.

There are many reasons why someone may not disclose abuse. Survivors may experience fear, shame or self-blame. They may have been threatened or manipulated by the person responsible, or may have previously tried to speak out and not been believed.

In some cases, survivors may only begin to understand or feel able to talk about what happened to them much later in life.

This is why the way organisations and professionals respond when somebody does disclose abuse is so important.

The impact of child sexual abuse

Estimates suggest that almost one in ten adults in England and Wales experienced sexual abuse during childhood. Around two-thirds have not disclosed the abuse to any service by the time they reach adulthood, while one in five never disclose their experiences at all. The most respected source, the CSA centre estimates 500,000 children experience some form of sexual abuse each year.

The report notes that childhood sexual abuse can have significant and lasting consequences for mental health. Survivors face an increased risk of depression, anxiety, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), self-harm, eating disorders and substance misuse.

These long-term effects highlight the importance of ensuring that survivors have access to appropriate, trauma-informed support when they choose to seek help. For many survivors, accessing the right support can play a crucial role in both recovery and long-term wellbeing.

Survivors should not have to repeatedly retell their experiences

One of the particularly concerning issues highlighted by the Royal College is the experience of survivors having to recount what happened to them multiple times.

For somebody who has taken years to feel able to disclose childhood sexual abuse, repeatedly explaining traumatic experiences can be extremely difficult.

Some survivors have also reported feeling that they were not believed when they disclosed abuse.

These experiences underline the importance of a trauma-informed approach wherever survivors seek support. That means recognising how trauma can affect a person's behaviour and communication, avoiding unnecessary repetition and allowing survivors to retain as much choice and control as possible.

A call for greater understanding of childhood sexual abuse

The Royal College established a working group involving experts, psychiatrists and survivors of childhood sexual abuse, including survivor Caroline Thompson, chaired by consultant psychiatrists Dr Jo Stubley and Dr Maria Podlejska-Eyres.

Following its review, it has called for greater training and awareness around childhood sexual abuse, improved trauma-informed approaches and national guidance on recognising and responding to disclosures of historic child sexual abuse.

These recommendations matter because survivors should be able to speak about their experiences without fear of being dismissed, misunderstood or unnecessarily re-traumatised.

They also reinforce the need for properly funded specialist organisations with the expertise to support survivors of sexual abuse.

Organisations such as The Survivors Trust and its network of member organisations play an important role in helping survivors access specialist support in their communities.

Listening to survivors must lead to change

The Royal College's apology is significant, but acknowledgement must be followed by action.

Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have too often had to fight to have their experiences recognised – whether when first disclosing abuse, seeking support or pursuing accountability many years later.

The experiences highlighted in this review reinforce why survivors' voices must be central to decisions about the services and support available to them.

Better understanding of childhood sexual abuse, stronger trauma-informed practice and sustainable funding for specialist survivor organisations can all help ensure that when somebody feels able to speak about what happened to them, they are met with understanding and respect.

How our child abuse solicitors can help

Every survivor's experience is different. For some, pursuing a legal claim can be one way of seeking recognition, accountability and compensation for the harm caused by childhood abuse.

At Switalskis, our specialist child abuse solicitors have decades of experience representing survivors of childhood sexual abuse and exploitation.

We understand that speaking about abuse and considering legal action can be difficult. Our approach is centred on listening to each person, understanding their experience and explaining their legal options clearly and sensitively.

Depending on the circumstances, it may be possible to pursue a claim against the individual responsible for the abuse or an organisation that may be legally responsible for what happened.

If you have experienced childhood abuse and would like to discuss your options in confidence, our specialist abuse team can help. Call 0808 239 5763 or email help@switalskis.com .

Find out how Switalskis can help you

Every survivor of abuse deserves justice. That means holding perpetrators fully accountable, and it also means ensuring survivors are supported to reclaim their voice, rebuild their sense of control, and pursue the compensation they are entitled to for the harm they have suffered.

At Switalskis, our specialist abuse lawyers have decades of experience in representing survivors of child sexual exploitation. We understand that such cases are very emotional for clients and often legally complex, therefore we are dedicated to providing a supportive and professional environment in which our clients can feel confident in our services. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

If you have been impacted and would like to discuss your experience in confidence, our specialist abuse team   can help. Call 0800 1380 458  or email help@switalskis.com.