Protect Children From Sexual Abuse
What Is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse is any form of sexual activity between a child and a person older than the child. Incest is any form of sexual activity between a child and family member. Abuse may take the form of touching, fondling, penetration, exposure or pornographic exploitation. MOST child sexual abuse is non-violent.
A child will know the abuser in 95 to 98% of the incidents. In those cases, the abuse may continue over a long period of time. The abuser builds up trust and then plays on the child’s fear and confusion to keep the secret from others. The child may not be able to resist due to dependency on the adult or lack of knowledge; bribery or threats are often involved.
Facts:
- 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by the age of 18.
- The typical child sexual abuse offender has 117 victims before apprehension.
Indicators of Sexual Abuse
Following are possible warning signs that a child is being sexually abused:
- Young children may exhibit these symptoms: Return to younger behavior; have nightmares or other sleep disturbances; cling or whine; tell sexual stories; display sexual behaviors or use sexual language beyond their age; fear a specific person or place; masturbate excessively; lack concentration; are agitated, irritable or aggressive; display unusual shyness; have sudden behavioral changes; complain of stomach aches, headaches or nausea with no medical explanation; have frequent genital or urinary tract infections; perform poorly in school; draw disturbing or unusual pictures.
- Older children may exhibit these symptoms: Depression; suicide attempts or suicide ideation; withdrawal from friends and family; poor self-image; engagement in substance abuse; runaway or have aversion to going home; have sudden behavioral changes; complain of stomach aches, headaches or nausea with no medical explanation; inability to get along with friends or siblings; shy away from opposite sex; become seductive, promiscuous or engage in prostitution; develop eating or sleeping disorders.
What Can Parents Do to Prevent Sexual Abuse?
- Inform the child that no one (friend, relative or stranger) has the right to touch them in their private areas. Use correct names for body parts.
- Give the child the right to say “NO” to unwanted touches and kisses. Don’t force the child to kiss or hug anyone the child does not want to kiss or hug.
- Tell the child to inform you whenever anyone makes them feel uncomfortable or asks to keep a secret that makes the child uncomfortable.
- Give the child permission to tell another adult (teacher, counselor, etc.) if someone has confused or frightened them.
- Include sexual abuse information when talking about other safety topics such as crossing the street or stranger danger.
- Let the child know you believe what they are telling you.
What to Do If Your Child Is Abused
1. Believe the child. Children do not lie about sexual abuse.
2. Tell the child it is not their fault.
3. Praise the child for telling you.
4. Get medical attention for the child.
5. Encourage the child to talk about the abuse with an appropriate support person (counselor, therapist, etc.)
6. Report the abuse! Sex offenders are repeat offenders.
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