Complex abuse

Complex or organised/multiple abuse is abuse that involves one or more abusers and several related or non-related abused children. Such abuse is profoundly traumatic for the children who are involved, and the most important consideration should be their safety and wellbeing. 

The abusers concerned may be acting together to abuse children, sometimes on their own, or may be using an institution or position of authority to recruit children for abuse. Complex abuse occurs both as part of a network of abuse across a family or community, and within institutions such as residential homes or schools. It often includes a level of organisation on the part of the adult(s) involved. 

Complex abuse may involve:

• multiple offenders
• multiple (actual or potential) victims
• particular victim vulnerabilities 
• a particular environment, e.g. institution, establishment, club, group 
• abusive images of children or abuse of children through sexual exploitation
• child sexual abuse networks

Investigating complex abuse:

The investigation of complex abuse requires specialist skills from both Police and other statutory agencies and often requires agencies to work together.

Some investigations become extremely complex because of the number of places and people involved, and the timescale over which abuse is alleged to have occurred. The complexity is heightened in non-recent cases.