Responding to tricky questions

During conversations with safe and trusted adults, children and young people may ask questions to help them understand the topic and what they should do. It may not always be easy to know how to answer these questions, but by having these conversations you can help them understand what sexual abuse is and give them the language to talk about it. Having regular, open and honest conversations sends the message that they can always talk to you and that you’ll listen no matter what.

To help adults prepare for having these conversations, this resource gives examples of tricky, challenging and difficult questions children and young people may ask, and guidance on how you might answer them.