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Women's Suicide Prevention Hub - childhood abuse
Childhood abuse is when a child is harmed by an adult or another child. This can take many forms, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect or organised abuse. It may happen once, or it may occur numerous times over a period of weeks, months, and even years.
We should never forget that the perpetrators of abuse are entirely responsible for that abuse, and that from the point of view of the victim/survivor, if what happened felt like abuse, then you have every right to call it that, and to seek support.
Childhood abuse ⏐ Menopause & perimenopause⏐ Domestic violence ⏐ Perinatal⏐ Postpartum ⏐ Eating disorders ⏐ Sexual violence ⏐ Pre-menstrual
Are you struggling?
Childhood abuse is extremely traumatic and can be the ultimate betrayal of trust. Even decades later, you may still carry feelings of shame and guilt, but it was not your fault. The process, known as ‘grooming’, means that there is a transfer of responsibility from the abuser to the victim/survivor.
Survivors can grow up believing that we are bad people and that we caused and deserved the abuse. But this is never the case. Something horrible happened to us, we were not complicit, and any blame lies solely with the perpetrator.
NAPAC’s own data shows that on average it takes around 22 years for a survivor to disclose the abuse after it has stopped. And although those experiences stay with us for life, there is hope for life after abuse.
Recovery is hard and rarely linear, but with the right support, it is possible to move forward and to thrive.
Regrettably, if trauma is internalised or ignored, it can lead to lifelong emotional and physical issues. Studies have also found that there is a direct correlation between women who suffer from suicidal ideation and women with a history of childhood abuse, and, as these women age, they are three times more likely to attempt suicide. It is vital that you seek the support you need when you feel ready to talk. Keep going, and know that you are not alone.
Emergency services
If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening crisis.
- Call 999 (UK)
- Call 112 (most of Europe)
- Find emergency numbers for all other countries here
Samaritans
Contact the Samaritans if you feel you are in a crisis.
NAPAC
NAPAC offer free, confidential support. Please note this is not a suicide crisis service
- Call 0808 801 0331
- support@napac.org.uk
- Resources in over 100 languages
Contact your GP
NAPAC offer free, confidential support.
- Find your GP contact details
- If your GP practice is closed or unavailable, call NHS 111
- Visit the NHS 111 website
Recovering from childhood trauma
Choosing Therapy have published a collection of tips on recovering from childhood trauma.
Are you supporting someone?
Research from the University of Manchester shows that victims of childhood abuse are two and a half more times likely to try and end their life. Those who experienced multiple instances of abuse are five times more likely to attempt suicide. As these victims get older, the risk increases, especially if there is no access to mental health support.
If someone you are concerned about starts to talk to you about their abuse, it is important to believe them and allow them to lead the conversation. Don’t try to rush or interrupt them, give them space to tell you what they want to tell you, and let them know that you are there to support them as they move forward.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
NICE guidelines on recognising abuse and neglect in children and young people.
Professional training
Carolyn Spring offers training courses for people working in the field of trauma.
Guidance booklet for friends and family
A booklet from One in Four for parents, friends and families on how best to support survivors to recover and heal from child sexual abuse.
Signs to look out for
Postpartum depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD). PTSD can be caused by a single traumatic event, whereas C-PTSD is caused by long-lasting repetitive trauma
- Over-emotional responses and attachment
- Eating disorders
- Substance misuse
- Depression and anxiety
- Low self-esteem
- Anger
- Feelings of guilt and shame
- Learning disabilities
- Physical illness
- Flashbacks and disturbing memories
- Dissociation
- Challenges in forming and keeping adult relationships
- Onset of psychiatric disorders
- Suicidal ideation (thoughts of suicide)
Real stories
Bella Thorne, actress & singer
Bella was sexually abused repeatedly by a trusted adult up to age fourteen. She describes feeling disgusting and self-loathing as a result. Speaking about the experience later, she said “I think it was probably one of the reasons I felt so drowned, and I was in such a dark place growing up, and I contemplated suicide”.
She stayed silent for a long time, but her manager encouraged her to talk about it. She encourages other abuse victims to come forward, “stay strong” and “keep fighting until we change the culture we are in”
Stories of hope - Molly
“For as long as I can remember, home was a place of fear, not comfort. I learned early on to suppress my desires, stay silent, and blend into the background – doing whatever I could to avoid anger or cruelty.
But, at 21, I finally found the courage to leave. It wasn’t sudden; it was the result of years of quiet determination. I walked away from what should have been my sanctuary but had become my prison. Stepping into my new life felt like emerging from a dark tunnel into the light. For the first time, I could breathe freely.
Yet, as the initial relief faded, I realised escaping was only the beginning. The trauma didn’t vanish; it followed me, affecting every part of my life.
Estranging myself from my family brought both relief and loneliness. No one truly understood the fear that lingered. Though I’d escaped, the scars ran deep, affecting my relationships, trust, and self-worth. Anxiety and depression weighed me down, but the same strength that helped me leave keeps me moving forward.
Piece by piece, I’m rebuilding my life. I’ve found hope in the darkest places, and no one can take that from me. I’ve found ways to cope and connect with those who understand. I’ve realised my story is my superpower, and now I share it to help others recognise the signs of abuse.”
Find advice and sources of support for other aspects of women’s mental health.
Learn more about how to have a conversation with someone at risk of suicide.
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