These are some of the experiences of child sexual abuse shared with the Truth Project by victims and survivors. All names and identifying details have been changed.
Download a PDF sample of accountsread full account of Shaunas experienceShauna was embarrassed when she realised she wasn’t the only girl to be abused by her teacher
Shauna was 14 when a teacher at her secondary school started grooming her.
As soon as she turned 16, he began having sex with her.
read full account of Haleys experienceAfter being sexually abused, Haley says she saw sex as a way of ‘pleasing people’
Haley grew up in care and at a young age was adopted by a family. Sadly, this did not keep her safe and secure. She was exposed to sexual abuse and blamed by her parents for the way she behaved subsequently.
Haley’s adoptive parents were older people. Her father was unwell and unable to work, and her mother worked long hours, leaving Haley in the care of her older foster sibling.
read full account of Kimberlys experienceKimberly’s father sexually abused her during her childhood, and again when she was an adult
Kimberly grew up in a very large family, where the children were not given any love or support.
Social services were aware that her parents were abusing alcohol but did not spot that sexual abuse was also occurring in the home.
read full account of Adinas experienceAdina says ‘I thought in a children’s home I would be safe ... but I had to sleep with one eye open’
During her childhood and adolescence, Adina was moved round the care system numerous times.
She suffered sexual abuse by several men, and was not believed when she reported it.
read full account of Maritas experienceWhen Marita’s father died, a teacher exploited her vulnerability to abuse her
At the age of 13, Marita was distraught when her father died.
A teacher at her secondary school used her distress and grief as an opportunity to groom and sexually abuse her.
read full account of Carries experienceCarrie kept quiet about being abused because her mother was dependent on the abuser
Carrie was abused in her home by a man who first lodged with her family, then began a relationship with her mother.
He threatened her that he would leave them if she told anyone about the abuse. Carrie knew her mother depended on him financially and emotionally, and was terrified of causing any upset.
read full account of Rosies experienceRosie was abused by a man who told her parents he could help with her career
Rosie loved performing arts as a teenager and wanted to be a dancer.
A man who claimed to have showbusiness connections claimed that he could help her with this ambition.
read full account of Angelinas experienceAngelina’s testimony encouraged others with similar experiences of abuse to speak out
Angelina was brought up as a Jehovah’s Witness.
She gave an account to the Truth Project of the way her disclosure of child sexual abuse was handled by the police and religious elders, and suggested how this could have been improved.