With #NeverTheirFault, we aim to end the victim-blaming language, attitudes, and behaviours that too often surround child sexual exploitation and abuse. Through bold, evidence-based communications, we are challenging the myths and misconceptions that not only fuel stigma and silence, but also prevent children from being properly identified, supported, or protected—and can stop them from seeking help altogether.
We’re changing the story — because no child is ever responsible for their own sexual exploitation.
Too many children fear they won’t be believed. Too many are blamed, questioned, or silenced. Most don’t speak out for years — if at all. And when they do, it’s often to a friend, not an adult. Society’s failure to listen is compounded by deeply rooted misconceptions — about who is affected, how they respond, and what abuse looks like. These distortions, especially around boys, survivor behaviour, and so-called “credibility”, stand in the way of justice, support, and protection.
The language we use and the way we respond matters. We want to equip professionals, families, and anyone who is around children with tools to listen without judgement, believe without hesitation, and protect every child’s rights and dignity.
Take our full Myths & Misconceptions Quiz and find out where you stand.
The more people we reach, the more children we can protect. That’s why we’ve made all our campaign materials available in nine languages: English, Lao, Bahasa Indonesia, French, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, and Thai.
Social Media Assets
Use our videos, graphics, GIFs, and infographics in your social media activities. They’re designed to make it easy for you to share accurate information, challenge harmful attitudes, and keep the conversation about child sexual exploitation and abuse going all year round.
Toolkit: Confronting harmful assumptions to better protect children
We designed this toolkit for anyone working with or around children—from frontline professionals to policymakers. Use it to start conversations that challenge harmful misconceptions and help the people in your network better understand and respond to child sexual exploitation and abuse.
