Founded by Sophie Olson, The Flying Child is inspired by her personal journey as a survivor of child sexual abuse within the family, and the subsequent struggle to navigate adult life as an unsupported survivor. Like many survivors, Sophie disclosed later in life, and one of the first questions she was asked was: "Why didn't you say anything before?" She felt ashamed. Stupid. Why hadn't she? She had no words to explain at the time as the story still felt unspeakable. Today, when asked the same question her reply is: "I did. I was screaming out that I had been abused - in my body, my behaviour and my ways of surviving, but nobody was listening to me. From childhood onwards, my signs of sexual abuse were misunderstood, misinterpreted and pathologised by systems that focused on 'symptoms' and not underlying causes. To put it bluntly - most people turned the other way" Our collective inability to truly see and hear child sexual abuse survivors stems from deep-seated discomfort, fear, and misconception. When society looks the other way, it not only compounds the trauma of survivors but perpetuates a cycle of harm. We can no longer wait for someone else to take action against the epidemic of child sexual abuse - WE are society, and change begins with each and every one of us. Social apathy serves as a shield for perpetrators who rely on silence and secrecy. A world that embraces, liste believes, and supports survivors is a safer world for all children. As a non-profit organisation, The Flying Child is committed to creating a lasting legacy of change. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our funders: The National Lottery Community Fund and The Indigo Trust.

"Society's Shame, Not Mine"
THE FLYING CHILD
Leading conversations about Child Sexual Abuse through survivor-led training, campaigning, and support
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How Can We Help You?
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0
MILLION
Radford et al
Adult survivors of child sexual abuse in the UK
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and the average age of disclosure (for those who disclose) is 24 years from time of abuse.
IICSA
of sexually abused children are abused by someone they know
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%
Radford et al
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yet the focus is rarely on family or family networks
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CSA Centre
Children are sexually abused every year in England and Wales
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but only a small fraction come to the attention of statutory authorities

We are profoundly grateful to every survivor of child sexual abuse who has consulted, shared and advised, and every professional who has participated in our training, collaborated with us, or supported our organisation in normalising conversations about child sexual abuse. Your support means the world to us. Together, we are dismantling the stigma empowering survivors to embrace the belief that child sexual abuse is:
"Society's Shame, Not Mine"
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We would like to thank Elise Macdonald for granting us the use of her painting, 'Girl In A Gilded Cage.' Not only is it a beautiful representation of The Flying Child CIC, but it also serves as the image to represent Sophie Olson who, for safety reasons, is careful to protect her identity. We are grateful for Elise’s kindness in allowing her this alternative.



Thank you to our funders
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The Flying Child CIC is proud to have partnered or collaborated with:
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THE FLYING CHILD CIC
Registered Company
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85 Great Portland Street
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