Terms and phrases relating to child sexual abuse
We, the Victims and Survivors’ Consultative Panel (VSCP), work with the Independent
Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse to ensure the needs and perspectives of victims and
survivors are reflected in the Inquiry’s on-going work.
We would like to raise awareness of some of the terms that are regularly used by the
general public and the media when reporting on cases and the impact that the use of these
terms may have on victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
Victims and survivors rather than ‘victims’ or ‘survivors’
Both these words have very different connotations and varying personal meanings for
individuals. Some people identify as victims and some as survivors, we therefore prefer to
use the words ‘victims and survivors’ together when collectively referring to people that
have been sexually abused.
Non-recent sexual abuse rather than ‘historical sexual abuse’
The word ‘historical’ implies that the sexual abuse happened a long time ago but, for many
victims and survivors, the effects of the sexual abuse are still with them today. It also implies
that the type of abuse covered by the Inquiry’s terms of reference no longer happens in
today’s society however it is clear that this is still very much the case. We use the term
‘non-recent sexual abuse’ as this accurately reflects the time that has passed since the
sexual abuse happened but does not diminish the IMPACT of the sexual abuse suffered by
the victims and survivors.
We never speak about historical murder or armed robbery therefore we should not refer to
sexual abuse as historical but non-recent or current.
Child sexual abuser, child sexual offender or perpetrator of child sexual abuse rather
than ‘paedophile’
The term paedophile refers to a diagnostic paraphilic disorder often used inappropriately to
describe all perpetrators of child sexual abuse. However, this term applies to a person that
has a primary or exclusive sexual preference to prepubescent children. Not all paedophiles
act on their sexual preference or interest. It is helpful to note that having a sexual preference
or interest in children and young people is not a criminal offence - however acting on that
sexual preference or interest is a criminal offence.
We use the terms ‘child sexual abuser’, ‘child sexual offender’ or ‘perpetrator of child
sexual abuse’ to more accurately reflect the crimes committed, no matter what the age of
the child.
Child sexual abuse rather than ‘child sex abuse’
Child sex abuse implies that ‘sex’ is normal and acceptable and simply the act of sex
whereas child sexual abuse encompasses the meaning of power and control and not just a
sexual act.
We prefer the phrase ‘child sexual abuse’ as this encompasses the range of offences,
such as grooming, viewing sexual abuse images, and encouraging children to behave in
sexually inappropriate ways.
Child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse rather than ‘child prostitution, child
sex worker, child sex tourism, rent boy’.
We prefer not to use these terms as they imply that the child is complicit in the (sex) abuse.
In fact, these are all types of child sexual exploitation and child sexual abuse .
More appropriate terms include: Child sexually abused in the prostitution industry, child
sexually abused in the sex tourism industry.
Definition of child sexual exploitation (CSE)
Child sexual exploitation is a form of child sexual abuse. It occurs where an individual or
group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, manipulate or deceive a child or
young person under the age of 18 into sexual activity (a) in exchange for something the
victim needs or wants, and/or (b) for the financial advantage or increased status of the
perpetrator or facilitator. The victim may have been sexually exploited even if the sexual
activity appears consensual. Child sexual exploitation does not always involve physical
contact; it can also occur through the use of technology.
Child sexual abuse images rather than ‘child pornography’
The term child pornography implies that the child is complicit in the sexual abuse and it
detracts from the fact that these images are depicting a crime. We use the term ‘child
sexual abuse images’ as this more accurately reflects what the images are - sexual assault
and/or rape of children. Once an image is made it can be on the internet forever; this has a
long lasting impact on the victim/survivor in addition to the impact of the actual sexual
assault and/or rape they have been subjected to in the production of the image(s).
Victims and survivors rather than ‘survivor community’
This phrase is commonly used to refer generally to victims and survivors. We prefer not to
use this phrase because it does not account for the various different views, opinions, and
experiences of all victims and survivors. Additionally, this could be further alienating for
those that may not be part of a particular community or support network.
‘Share their experience’ rather than ‘share their story’
Victims and survivors of child sexual abuse are invited to share their experience with the
Inquiry through the Truth Project. We avoid the phrase ‘tell us your story’ as this may imply
that the account given is fictional. The Truth Project provides a safe and confidential space
for victims and survivors to share their experiences with the Inquiry where they will be
listened to and not judged. The accounts given, either in person or in writing, will inform the
work of the Inquiry.
When referring to specific crimes against children name the crime where possible e.g. child
rape. Try and avoid euphemism. There needs to be recognition of the risk that some victims
and survivors of sexual abuse but not rape could feel that their experiences are less
important.
If an article or report is making reference to child murder and the murder has a sexual
motivation it should be named as such. e.g. murder after sexual assault and or rape,
sexually motivated murder.
