25.08.2011
Child Sexual Abuse
What is child sexual abuse? Some people get confused when they are asked the definition of child sexual abuse. One common misperception is that sexual abuse can only occur if there is touching or penetration of a child victim. In fact, child sexual abuse can take many forms. Any interaction between a child and adult (or another child) in which the child is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator is sexual abuse. Given that definition, sexual touching is considered sexual abuse but so are non-touching behaviors with sexual intent. Hands-on sexual abuse behaviors can include fondling the breasts, vagina, penis, or buttocks. These behaviors also include oral sex and sexual intercourse. Non-touching sexual abuse includes looking at a child’s naked body (voyeurism), exhibitionism, exposing a child to pornography, or exposing a child to adult sexual activity.
Many people believe that sexual abuse of children is usually perpetrated by a stranger, who kidnaps a vulnerable child. They also believe that child sexual abuse is a rare experience. However, the truth is that 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys are sexually abused before the age of 18. The majority of sexual abusers are relatives, babysitters, or close friends of the child’s family. Most sexual abuse does not occur with physical force or violence, it occurs over time by an abuser using play, deception, coercion and manipulation. When an abuser acts in this fashion in order to use the child as a sexual object, it is called “grooming.” When abusers are grooming children, they often use gifts, special outings, emotional pleas, and physical affection. Abusers also use grooming techniques or threats to keep the child silent about the abuse. Children often don’t disclose the abuse because they feel loyalty to the abuser and worry about getting that person in trouble. They can also feel the abuse was their fault and worry that they will get in trouble. For young children, they might not have the language skills to explain the abuse or they might not even realize their experience was abusive, especially if the abuser presented the sexual abuse as a game. In any event, when a child discloses abuse it is very important to be supportive, calm, listen to everything the child is saying, and never blame or punish the child. If the caretaker can demonstrate support for the child and seek treatment as soon as the abuse is discovered, the likelihood the child can recover and remain psychologically healthy is increased.
It is important to remember that there is no one sign or symptom a child has been sexually abused. There is a wide range of emotional and behavioral reactions that can be seen in abuse victims. In some children, there are “sleeper effects” meaning there might not initially be any sign or symptom of the abuse. For the most part, the reactions that occur in sexual abuse victims are similar to the reactions seen in children who have experienced other types of trauma. Behavioral and emotional reactions can include:
- Anger
- Sleep Problems / Nightmares
- New Fears
- Social Withdrawal
- Anxiety or Depression
- Advanced Sexual Knowledge / Language / Behaviors
- Avoidance of a Specific Person or Place
Children of all ages, races, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds are vulnerable to sexual abuse. Boys, as well as girls, can be sexually abused. Along the same lines, abusers come in all ages, occupations, socio-economic backgrounds, and can be either gender. It is important to talk to your children about sexual abuse and take active steps to prevent abuse from occurring. For information, evaluation, or treatment contact Chrysalis Health.
