SEXUAL ABUSE IN MINORS

            Child sexual abuse is a result of abusive behavior that takes advantage of a child’s vulnerability and is in no way related to the sexual orientation of the abusive person.  Child sexual abuse is a form of abuse that includes sexual activity with a minor, when a perpetrator intentionally harms a minor physically, psychologically, sexually or by acts of neglect.

            It does not necessarily mean that it has to be physical contact between a perpetrator and a child.  It could be touching or non-touching activity.  Examples of touching activities include:

Ø  Intercourse

Ø  Fondling

Ø  Sex of any kind with a minor

Ø  Making a minor or a child touch someone else’s genitals, play sexual games or have sex putting objects or body parts (like fingers, tongue or penis) inside the vagina, in the mouth or in the anus of a child for sexual pleasure.

Some examples of non-touching activities include:

Ø  Exhibitionism or exposing oneself to a minor.

Ø  Masturbation in the presence of a minor

Ø  Obscure phone calls, text messages, or digital interaction in the presence of a minor

Ø  Producing, owning or sharing pornographic images or movies of children.

Ø  Sex trafficking.

Ø  Inappropriately watching, a child undresses or uses the bathroom.

The perpetrator of child abuse could be a family member or someone the child or the family knows.  The perpetrator doesn’t have to be an adult to harm a child.  He could be a relation, older sibling or playmate, a coach, or an instructor, a caretaker or parent of another child.

Ø  The perpetrators have tactics which they use to cover their misdeeds.  They could manipulate victims to stay quiet about the sexual abuse using a number of different tactics like manipulation, power of intimidation or convincing the child that it is normal.

As soon as a child is being abused, there are visible signs that show the change in the child.  Children often show, rather than tell that something is upsetting them.  There may be many reasons for changes in their behavior or physically.

Physical signs:

Ø  Bleeding, bruises, swelling of the genital area

Ø  Difficulty in walking or sitting

Ø  Blood, torn, or stained underclothes

Ø  Frequent urinary or yeast infections

Ø  Pain, itching, or burning in the genital area

Behavioral signs:

Ø  Sleeping problems, nightmares

Ø  Becoming unusually secretive

Ø  Outburst of anger

Ø  Acting out in an inappropriate sexual way with toys or objects.

Ø  Sudden unexplained personality changes, mood swings and seeming insecure

Ø  Becoming withdrawn or very clingy

Ø  Regressing to younger behaviors e.g. bedwetting

Ø  Unaccountable fear to particular places or people

Ø  Changes in eating habits.

Ø  Running away from home or school.

Ø  Talk to a new, older friend and unexplained money or gifts.

Ø  New adult words for body parts and no obvious source.

Ø  Self-harm (cutting, burning or other harmful activities).

Ø  Not wanting to be alone with a particular child or young person.

Any one sign doesn’t mean that a child is being abused, but the presence of several suggests that one should begin to ask questions and consider seeking help.  Most of these signs can emerge at other times of stress such as, during divorces; the death of a family member or pet; problems at school or with friends; and other anxiety-inducing or traumatic events.

It is no longer news that, children pass through different stages of development as they grow, and that their awareness and curiosity about sexual matters change as they pass from infancy into childhood and then through puberty to adolescence.  Each child is an individual and will develop in his or her own way.  However, there is a generally accepted range of behaviors linked to a child’s age and developmental stage.  Sometimes these will involve some exploration with other children of a similar age.  It can be difficult to tell the difference between age-appropriate sexual exploration and warning signs of harmful behavior.  Occasionally, we need to explain to children why we would prefer them not to continue with a particular behavior.

This is a chance to talk with them about keeping themselves and others safe and to let them know that they will have listening ears when they need to talk.  Disabled children may develop at different rates, depending on the nature of their disability, and they can be more vulnerable to abuse.  Children with learning disabilities, for example, may behave sexually in ways that are out of step with their age.  Particular care may be needed in educating such children to understand their sexual development and to ensure that they can communicate effectively about any worries they have.