How child sexual abuse is spoken about matters. Words can either reinforce harmful myths or they can affirm a child’s inherent right to protection from child sexual abuse. 

This guide reflects the perspectives of more than 100 victims and survivors of child sexual abuse in Australia, who identified terms that reduce harm and support recovery and those that should be avoided. It is designed for anyone working in child protection, policy, practice, education, healthcare, research, justice or communications.

The guide is a living document that will continue to evolve as language changes and as more voices contribute to its development. Adopting terms and definitions preferred by victims and survivors of child sexual abuse can:

• communicate with care, dignity and respect
• reduce stigma and trauma for victims and survivors
• build a more informed and effective collective response to child sexual abuse.

The guide is accompanied by an introductory and background document.