|
What is Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse generally refers to sexual violence directed at children,
adolescents or vulnerable adults. The perpetrators can be parents,
siblings, other family members or other trusted adults. Like sexual assault, it
can take a variety of forms.
Child sexual abuse occurs when a child is exploited for the sexual
gratification of an older person. Contact can take many forms: fondling of the
genitals or breasts; oral, vaginal or anal intercourse (penetration by genitals
or by an object): or exposing sexual parts of the body. When these acts occur
within a family, the sexual abuse is called incest.
Children are most commonly abused by someone they know. This may be a single
occurrence. More likely, however, the abuse will continue over a period of
time. When repeated abuse occurs, the child is often promised special favors,
told that it is education, and given special attention. Eventually the
continued abuse may lead to full sexual intercourse. The child continues to
participate out of guilt, confusion, or fear that something terrible will
happen if someone finds out. The child may also be receiving special favors
such as attention, gifts, privileges, money or a feeling of being "grown up."
The vast majority of child molesters are teenage or adult males. Most are
heterosexual men, many with children of their own.
Abusers come from all socioeconomic levels, religions and ethnic backgrounds.
Children who are sexually abused are: Usually not violently abused, but are
coerced and manipulated. Usually molested by someone the know and may trust.
Usually afraid to tell because of fear they will be blamed, punished or not
believed. Not responsible for their abuse.
Myths and facts about sexual abuse of children
MYTH: The stranger represents the greatest threat to the child.
FACT: The most common victim is a girl who is assaulted
nonviolently by an adult male she knows. Studies show that 75 percent to 95
percent of offenders are known to the child.
MYTH: Child molesters are all dirty old men.
FACT: In a recent survey of convicted child molesters, 80
percent were found to have committed their first offense before the age of 30.
MYTH: Children lie or fantasize about sexual activities with adults.
FACT: Children cannot make up sexual information unless they
have been exposed to it. They speak from their own experience. Sometimes a
parent will try to get a child to falsely report sexual abuse. Primary
indicators of such a report are the child's inability to explicitly describe or
illustrate the act, or a grossly inconsistent account.
MYTH: It is not important for children to have information about sexual
assault.
FACT: It is as important for children to have information
about sexual assault for their own safety as it is for them to receive
information about fires, crossing the street and swimming.
MYTH: Child sexual abuse is an isolated one-time incident.
FACT: Incestuous situations develop gradually, over a period
of time, and the sexual abuse can occur repeatedly.
MYTH: In cases of incest the child victim provokes or initiates the sexual
contact.
FACT: Family sexual abuse often begins before a child
understands its significance. The perpetrator uses his/her position of
authority and trust to convince the child that their relationship is normal.
The victim may be trapped in a relationship for years. Seductive behavior may
be the result, but never the cause, of sexual abuse. The responsibility lies
with the adult offender.
MYTH: If children did not want it, they could say stop.
FACT: Children generally do not question the behavior of
adults. They are often coerced by bribes, threats and use of a position of
authority.
MYTH: Any parent who would sexually abuse their child has to be mentally
ill.
FACT: The vast majority of abusers are not mentally ill, and
most hold jobs, function well in the community and are well respected by their
peers. Most abusers deny the event and some claim seduction by the child.
MYTH: Telling offenders to stop is all that is necessary.
FACT: An offender will continue to offend unless stopped. The
offender needs to be reported to the police or child protection service.
Extensive counseling is important if the offender is serious about changing how
he/she reacts to children and handles relationships with them.
MYTH: The lower the family income and social status, the higher the
likelihood of the sexual abuse of the children.
FACT: There is no data to support this conclusion.
|
|
|
