What is child sexual abuse? Any sexual activity that is imposed on a child by an adult or an adolescent is a sexual assault and abuse of the power of one person over another. This also includes experiences of child to child, teen to child, teen to teen, if there is an age difference of four or more years.
The key word in this definition is imposed on a child. Children are trained to trust adults, as well they should. When an adult asks, manipulates or forces a child to do something that is against the child's best interest and welfare, they are imposing an experience that will have life long repercussions: perhaps physically, but especially emotionally. Many behavior problems can be traced to being inappropriately touched or manipulated by someone who had power or authority over a child, and used that power in a sexual way.
Sexual abuse doesn't have to involve intercourse. It can range from exhibited genitals, to fondling breasts, genitals or thighs. Some abusers are sexually stimulated by seeing children undressed or engaging in set up sexual games with adults or other children. Some offenders manipulate the child into oral sex or the actual act of intercourse. Others find it amusing to show pornography or to talk "dirty" to those who are younger than they are. Traumatic damage can be done to a sensitive child just by making suggestive references or talking in a sexual way.
Sexual abuse can also take the form of child exploitation by photographing the child in a compromising situation, with the intent to either use the photos for their own sexual stimulation or to sell them as pornography. The range of abuse is so wide and varied that it is hard to pin down a specific definition.
The fact is sexual abuse of children takes many forms, involves varying degrees of violence and emotional trauma, and is defined in a variety of ways, depending on the culture, context and purpose of the definition. However, the one consistent factor that is always present is the child does not know how to protect himself and someone bigger and stronger has power over them.
What many parents, police and others don't understand is that the fear, intimidation and loss of trust are frequently much more harmful than the actual act. It causes confusion about roles, boundaries and sexual awareness.
A child or teen that has been abused sexually will need patience, understanding, support and tools to deal with the trauma.
? Judy H. Wright, Parent Educator, www.artichokepress.com
This article was written by Judy Wright, parent educator and author. Feel free to use it in your newsletter or publication, but please give full credit to the author and mention the contact information of JudyWright@ArtichokePress.com, 406-549-9813.
You will find a full listing of books, tapes, newsletters and workshops available on finding the heart of the story in the journey of life by going to www.artichokepress.com
Alexis limo rentals ..Everyone loves penguins. And now, everyone has a chance to... Read More
I had my first two children on either side of... Read More
The subject of competition is one that provokes some pretty... Read More
You're trying to catch up on some sleep on a... Read More
I thought I was the only one in the world... Read More
Below is a copy of our eating program for Attention... Read More
When you think about it, probably the one thing that... Read More
Emotional OverloadMany single parents say they deal with a variety... Read More
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain... Read More
IntroductionChildren are the gifts of God to parents. That young... Read More
Nail biting in all its various forms is problematic... Read More
Do you want to create a deeper, more loving relationship... Read More
Remember when cash was a tangible commodity in all of... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
Thank you for all that you do in the classroom!... Read More
One fantastic way to get your children involved in what... Read More
Recently, a parent came to me, conflicted over whether to... Read More
The small, lilac colored hexagonal box, with Winnie the Pooh... Read More
Drivers 16 years of age have little driving experience, putting... Read More
Most of us can agree that there is a lack... Read More
Prioritize. Learn to say No. Steal some time for yourself.Don't... Read More
Although many parents are concerned with our children's intelligence quotient... Read More
One of the most important aspects of parenting, is ensuring... Read More
What's new and effective in the treatment of Attention problems?... Read More
car service from Midway Alsip ..Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Annie easily slipped into becoming the sole caregiver of her... Read More
Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
For first time parents choosing a swing set or outdoor... Read More
Many parenting books advise against eating out with young children.... Read More
Child tantrums are a way for children to express their... Read More
Family decision-making is an intriguing phenomenon. Many factors become part... Read More
An address given by Rev. David B. Smith... Read More
Do you feel like someone has abducted your sweet, innocent... Read More
"It takes a village to raise a child" is more... Read More
You are in the final round of your favorite game... Read More
Courage means doing the right thing when it is hard,... Read More
Think back to your own childhood. Chances are, some of... Read More
Are men to blame for the divorce problem in this... Read More
After giving up my profession to become a wife, a... Read More
Parental Alienation Syndrome was probably first identified and codified by... Read More
Vouchers, which give tax money to parents to pay for... Read More
Life is funny.My twenty-year-old daughter, Melanie, has a her new... Read More
When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
We all scream for ice cream. Or, we don't, at... Read More
I wanted to share with you one of the most... Read More
It is human nature to feel competitive and envious toward... Read More
So you're pregnant. Congratulations! Your life is about to change... Read More
Parenting |