child sexual abuse - 1658 Words

Child Sexual Abuse Siping Chen Laney College Psych 7A April 10, 2014 Child Sexual Abuse Child sexual abuse does not have a universal definition. However, a central characteristic of any abuse is the dominant position of an adult that allows him or her to force or coerce a child into sexual activity (American Psychological Association). Yet all offences that involve sexually touching a child, as well as non-touching offenses and sexual exploitation, are just as harmful and devastating to a child’s well-being. Touching sexual offenses, such as fondling; making a child touch an adult’s sexual organs; and penetrating a child’s vagina or anus no matter how slight with a penis or any object that doesn’t†¦show more content†¦In these cases, adult survivors of sexual abuse may come forward for the first time in their 40s or 50s and divulge the horror of their experiences (AHA). In most instances, the survivor never discussed the abuse with others while it was occurring. In fact, many survivors do not remember the abuse until years after it h as occurred, and may never be able to clearly recall it (RAINN). The effects of sexual abuse extend far beyond childhood. Children and adolescents who have been sexually abused can suffer a range of psychological and behavioral problems, from mild to severe, in both the short and long term. Sexual abuse robs children of their childhood and creates a loss of trust, feelings of guilt, depression, anxiety, fear, sexual dysfunction, withdrawal, and acting out. Additionally, high levels of anxiety in these adults can result in self-destructive behaviors, such as alcoholism or drug abuse, anxiety attacks, situation-specific anxiety disorders, and insomnia (APA). Revictimization is also a common phenomenon among people abused as children. Research has shown that child sexual abuse victims are more likely to be the victims of rape or to be involved in physically abusive relationships as adults are. In short, the ill effects of child sexual abuse are wide ranging. Some children even report little or no psychological distress from the abuse, but these child ren may be either afraid toShow MoreRelatedChild Sexual Abuse And Child Abuse1308 Words   |  6 PagesChild sexual abuse is a problem that many people are still unaware of. Currently, one in twenty boys and one in five girls are sexually abused (Child Sexual Abuse Fact Sheet). In the past, children’s accusations of sexual abuse have not been believed (Berk 352). Many children told adults, yet still had to carry the burden, as adults, of their rapist never being caught. However, now, people are recognizing the truth and are trying to come up with a solution (Berk 352). Despite the increased effortRead MoreChild Sexual Abuse1260 Words   |  5 Pages Child sexual abuse is a social crisis of significant magnitude. This type of abuse has been found to be correlated with the advancement of an extensive range of mental health and social problems in children and adults. Child sexual abuse is the term used when an adult uses a child or adolescent for his own sexual gratification or pleasure. Furthermore, a frequent expression of childhood sexual abuse is control over the abused child. This type of abuse knows no particular demographic and occursRead MoreChild Sexual Abuse1573 Words   |  7 PagesChild Sexual Abuse CONTENT PAGE 1. Introduction Page 1 2. Case Study Page 1 3. How this Affects learners Page 2 4. Policies and Procedures Page 2 5. Raising Awareness Page 3 6. Conclusion Page 3 7. References Page 4 Appendix 1. INTRODUCTION Research indicates that 1 out of every 4 children will be the victim of sexual abuse before reachingRead MoreChild Sexual And Sexual Abuse1659 Words   |  7 PagesChild Sexual Abuse Why does child sexual abuse happen and what are the effects of it? â€Å"Child sexual abuse is sexual contact with a child that occurs as a result of force or in a relationship where it is exploited because of an age difference or caretaking responsibility† (Finkelhor). Roughly 1.8 million children have been sexually victimized in the United States (NSOPW). Although there is no proof that racial or socioeconomic groups is a factor in a predators choosing, studies show that childrenRead MoreSexual Abuse And Child Abuse1983 Words   |  8 PagesSexual abuse to a child can be a confusing and devastating experience for the family. Families who are affected by child sexual abuse can have a difficult time talking about the abuse. Studies have shown that about one out of every four girls and one out of every five boys are sexually abused by the time they are 18 years old. Sexual abuse to children does not discriminate based on socioeconomic status, ethnicity, culture, religion or education. Treating a victim of child sexual abuse is a difficultRead MoreChild Sexual Abuse and Child Pornography2003 Words   |  8 PagesChild pornography is a broadly defined term mainly because there is no internationally agreed upon definition. There are also some conflicting laws between different countries that further complicate the issue of child pornography. It can become difficult to prosecute with the increased use of computers and anonymous online networks. Both the offenders and the victims can come from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds. Child pornography includes pictures or videos that present childrenRead MoreChild Abuse And Sexual Abuse2090 Words   |  9 Pagesforms of child abuse. Not only can children be physically abused, but they are also in danger of experiencing sexual abuse. In the more recent years, child sexual abuse has come to the attention of a larger part of society. As such, it is becoming more openly discussed. Child sexual abuse is a growing problem, and the stories that have begun to circulate around the world work to illustrate just how serious the problem is. Despite what society is lead to believe, the sexual abuse of a child is theRead MoreChild Abuse And Sexual Abuse1770 Words   |  8 PagesAccording to dictionary.com, child abuse is the â€Å"mistreatment of a child by a parent or guardian, including neglect, beating, and sexual molestation.† About five children die every day from child abuse and many children who are abused start experiencing it at eighteen months or younger. While abuse can start at any age, more than 25% are under the age of three and over 45% are under the age of five. The younger a child is, the more vulnerable they are. If signs of abuse are discovered at a young ageRead MoreChild Abuse And Child Sexual Abuse1951 Words   |  8 PagesTherefore that would mean 42 million adults are survivors of child abuse right here in the United States. Among these children there are 73% of children who do not tell anyone for a year, and many who never tell anyone (The Children’s Assessment Center). If we do not intervene many would say 500,000 babies will be born and sexually abused by the age of 18. It is important is it to be educated in the signs and symptoms of adult and child sexual abuse and getting involved in our own communities to stop thisRead MoreChild Sexual Abuse1410 Words   |  6 Pagescertainly many experiences before they became truly mature. A child can face lot of dangerous things from the environment surrounding them which might seriously affect their whole life. As definition in the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act: Child abuse is any action from adult to a child that it could be harmful to the child’s body or mental (Children Welfare Information Gateway 2007). In 2005, among 3.6 million investigations by Child Protective Services agencies in the U.S, an estimated