Child sexual abuse

What is child sexual abuse?
Any kind of sexual activity between an adult and a child falls into the category of sexual abuse. This can be fondling, genital stimulation, oral sex, sexual intercourse and even incest. Sexual relationship between an adult and a child is not normal behavior and should never be accepted under any condition. It is commonly believed that sexual abusers are always males. But this is far from true. Women also sexually abuse both boys and girls.

The psychological impact of sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can affect a child very badly. The sexual offender usually takes advantage of the child’s innocence and trust. The child sometimes also feels that he or she is actually to be blamed for the adult’s behavior and feels guilty of the acts. Because of the nature of these sexual acts, children feel embarrassed and afraid to talk about it to their family members. This aggravates the problem and causes further emotional trauma for the child.

Who are the offenders?
In the majority of cases, the offender is often known to the child. It may be a father, mother, uncle, teacher, friend, coach, baby sitter or a neighbor. It is important for children to know the difference between the “wrong touch” and the right touch in order to protect themselves from sexual abuse.

• If a child feels that anyone is touching him or her in the “wrong way” or in the wrong places they should immediately inform someone whom they trust.
• Children should be taught all about their body parts. This will help them know if anyone is trying to abuse them.
• Talk to your child often and give him or her, the confidence to confide in you. Keeping distance from your child will only make them feel reluctant to communicate their feelings.
• Train your child not to talk to strangers or get into their car or house. They should also be taught not to accept gifts, chocolates or toys from strangers.
• Children should not be left alone at home. They should also be accompanied to and from school.
• When a child tells you that she or he has been sexually abused, believe it. Children do not know to lie in these matters.

Finally

The sexual abuse of children is indeed a tragic phenomenon in many societies. Most parents do not know how to protect their children from potential sex abuse. More importantly, they do not know what to do when their child reports sex abuse. Under the circumstances, parents should always take a child’s word seriously. The psychological impact of sexual abuse may not be visible immediately. The impact can also manifest itself later on in life. Hence it is important to consult a specialist trained to work with sexual abuse victims, even if the abuse occurred many years earlier.