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What is child sexual abuse?
Child sexual abuse is any
interaction between a child and an adult (or
another child) in which the child is used for
the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or
an observer. Sexual abuse can include both touching
and non-touching behaviors. Touching behaviors
may involve touching of the vagina, penis, breasts
or buttocks, oral-genital contact, or sexual
intercourse. Non-touching behaviors can include
voyeurism (trying to look at a child’s
naked body), exhibitionism, or exposure to pornography.
Abusers often do not use physical force, but
may use play, deception, threats, or other forms
of coercion to engage children and maintain
their silence. Abusers frequently employ persuasive
and manipulative tactics—referred to as
“grooming”—such as buying
gifts or arranging special activities, which
can further confuse the victim.
Who is sexually abused?
Children of all ages, races,
ethnicities, and economic backgrounds are vulnerable
to sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse affects
both girls and boys across all neighborhoods,
communities and countries around the world.
How can you tell if
a child is being (or has been) sexually abused?
Children who have been sexually
abused may display a range of emotional and
behavioral reactions characteristic of children
who have experienced trauma. These reactions
include:
• Increased occurrence
of nightmares or other sleeping difficulties
• Withdrawn behavior
• Angry outbursts
• Anxiety •
Depression
• New words for private
body parts
• Sexual activity
with toys or other children
• Not wanting to
be left alone with a particular individual(s)
Although many sexually abused
children exhibit behavioral and emotional changes,
many others do not. It is therefore critical
to focus not only on detection, but on prevention
and communication—by educating children
about body safety, by teaching them about healthy
body boundaries, and by encouraging open communication
about sexual matters.
Why don’t children
tell about sexual abuse?
There are many reasons children
do not disclose being sexually abused, including:
• Threats of bodily
harm (to the child and/or the child’s
family)
• Fear of being removed
from the home
• Fear of not being
believed
• Shame or guilt
If the abuser is someone the
child or the family cares about, the child may
worry about getting that person in trouble.
In addition, children often believe that the
sexual abuse was their own fault and may not
disclose for fear of getting in trouble themselves.
Very young children may not have the language
skills to communicate about the abuse or may
not understand that the actions of that perpetrator
are abusive, particularly if the sexual abuse
is made into a game.
What can you do if
a child discloses that he or she is being (or
has been) sexually abused?
If a child discloses abuse,
it is critical to stay calm, listen carefully,
and NEVER blame the child. Thank the child for
telling you and reassure him or her of your
support. Please remember to call for help immediately.
If you know or suspect that
a child is being or has been sexually abused,
please call the federally funded Child Welfare
Information Gateway at 1.800.4.A.CHILD (1.800.422.4453)
or visit www.childwelfare.gov/responding/how.cfm.
If you need immediate assistance,
call 911.
Child Sexual Abuse
Myths and Facts Myth:
Child sexual abuse is a rare
experience.
Fact: Child sexual abuse is
not rare. Research indicates that as many as
1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 6 boys will experience
some form of sexual abuse before the age of
18. However, because child sexual abuse is by
its very nature secretive, many of these cases
are never reported.
Myth: A child is most likely
to be sexually abused by a stranger.
Fact: Children are most often
sexually abused by someone they know and trust.
Ninety-three percent of reported cases of child
sexual abuse are committed by individuals who
are considered part of the victim’s “circle
of trust.”
Myth: Preschoolers do not need
to know about child sexual abuse and would be
frightened if educated about it.
Fact: Numerous educational
programs are available to teach young children
about the difference between healthy and unhealthy
touches. These programs can help children develop
basic safety skills in a way that is helpful
rather than frightening. For more information
on educating young children, see Lets Talk About
Taking Care of You: An Educational Book About
Body Safety, available at www.hope4families.com/Lets_Talk_Book_Information.html.
Myth: Children who are sexually
abused will never recover.
Fact: Many children are quite
resilient, and with a combination of support
from their parents or caregivers and effective
counseling, they can and do recover from such
experiences.
Myth: Children are almost always
sexually abused by adults.
Fact: Surveys indicate that
up to one third of cases of child sexual abuse
are perpetrated by individuals under the age
of 18. While some degree of sexual curiosity
and exploration is to be expected between children
of about the same age, when one child coerces
another to engage in adult-like sexual activities,
the behavior is unhealthy and abusive. Both
the abuser and the victim can benefit from counseling.
Myth: Talking about sexual abuse with a child
who has suffered such an experience will only
make it worse.
Fact: Although children often
choose not to talk about their abuse, there
is no evidence that encouraging children to
talk about sexual abuse will make them feel
worse. On the contrary, research shows that
treatment from a mental health professional
can minimize the physical, emotional, and social
problems of abused children by allowing them
to appropriately process their feelings and
fears.
Tips To Help Protect
Children From Sexual Abuse
• Always teach children
accurate names of private body parts.
• Avoid focusing exclusively
on “stranger danger.” Keep in mind
that most children are abused by someone they
know and trust.
• Teach children about
body safety and healthy body boundaries early
(in preschool) and often.
• Teach children the
difference between healthy and unhealthy touches.
• Reinforce the message
that children always have the right to make
decisions about their bodies. Empower them to
say no when they do not want to be touched,
even in non-sexual ways (e.g., politely refusing
hugs) and to say no to touching others.
• Make sure children
know that adults and older children never need
help with their private body parts (e.g., bathing
or going to the bathroom.)
• Educate children about
the difference between good secrets (like surprise
parties—which are okay because they are
not kept secret for long) and bad secrets (those
that the child is supposed to keep secret forever,
which are not okay).
• Trust your instincts!
If you feel uneasy leaving
a child with someone, don’t do it. If
you’re concerned about possible sexual
abuse, ask questions. For more information,
visit the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
(NCTSN) at www.nctsn.org.
THE BEST TIME TO TALK TO YOUR CHILD ABOUT SEXUAL
ABUSE IS NOW.
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