Newsletter
Newsletter September 2009 (pdf)
What Is Child Sexual Abuse?
A central characteristic of child sexual abuse is the dominant position of an adult (or between two minors) that allows him or her to force or coerce a child into sexual activity.This includes acts such as:
A central characteristic of child sexual abuse is the dominant position of an adult (or between two minors) that allows him or her to force or coerce a child into sexual activity.This includes acts such as:
- Fondling
- Sexual Acts with a Child:penetration, intercourse, incest, oral sex, sodomy
- Child Pornography:using a child in the production of pornography, such as film or magazine
- Exposing a Child to Pornography: (movies, magazines, internet)
- Violations of bodily privacy: forcing a child to undress, spying on a child in the bathroom.
- Luring a child for sexual liaisons: Through the internet for sexual purposes
- Exposing a child to adult sexuality: showing sex organs to a child, forcing a child to watch adult sex acts, group sex
- Child Prostitution/Sexual Exploitation: using a child to perform sex acts with others
- Communicating in a Sexual Manner: Either through phone, letter, or Internet.
- 1 in 4 girls is sexually abused before age 18.
- 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before age 18.
- 1 in 5 children are solicited sexually while on the internet.
- Only 10% of abusers are strangers.
- People who abuse children look and act like everyone else. They often go out of their way to appear trustworthy to gain access to children.
- 34% of victims are abused by family members.
- Another 59% are abused by someone they know and trust.
- Over 30% of children never disclose their abuse to ANYONE.
- The younger victims may not realize their victimization as sexual abuse.
- Understand why a child does not tell:
- Most abusers are manipulative and will confuse the child as to what is right or wrong.
- The child may have been threatened not to tell anyone.
- Most children are ashamed of the abuse.
- Children are often afraid to disappoint their parents and may feel they have done something wrong.
Statistics
"It won't happen in my family."
Every SIX minutes, a child in the United States is sexually abused.
"It won't happen in my family."
"I live in a great neighborhood. This wouldn't happen here."
"My child tells me everything. They would certainly tell me if they were abused."
Signs and Symptoms of Child Sexual Abuse
While there is no one true indicator that can tell you if your child has been sexually abused, there are often warning signs that your child may exhibit. In some cases, there may be no outward signs of abuse beyond what a child will hopefully tell you.
While there is no one true indicator that can tell you if your child has been sexually abused, there are often warning signs that your child may exhibit. In some cases, there may be no outward signs of abuse beyond what a child will hopefully tell you.
- Withdrawal
- Depression
- Nightmares, trouble sleeping
- Sudden mood swings/unexplained anger or rebellion
- Fear of certain people or places
- Frequent stomach illness or headaches with no identifiable reason
- Redness, rashes, bleeding, or swelling in the genital areas
- Pain at the genitals, anus, or mouth
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Sexualized behaviors with toys, pets, or other children
- New words for private body parts
- Behaviors of a younger child: bedwetting or thumb sucking
- Loss of appetite
- Encourage your child to talk freely about the abuse
- Do not be judgmental
- Tell them it is not their fault
- Assure your child they did the right thing in telling you
- Avoid making promises to your child
- Show that you understand and just listen
- Assure them they will be talking to someone about the abuse who will keep them safe
- Thank your child for being so honest and brave
Handling Disclosures of Child Sexual Abuse
The following are a few guidelines to help in a situation where your child has disclosed sexual abuse:Mt Emily Safe Center and other community agencies offer services to help children and non-offending family members overcome the effects of trauma. Children react differently depending upon their age, nature and extent of the abuse suffered, support from others and their relationship with the offender. The single most important factor affecting the childs recovery is the level of support the child receives from a parent or caregiver. It is that simple. If you do everything you can to support your child, the chances of recovery are much greater. If you feel torn between loyalty to your child and loyalty to the offender, find a professional to help you sort it out immediately. (Remember that the victim is your child. The abuser chose his/her actions.)
2107 Third Street
P.O. Box 146
La Grande, Oregon 97850
(541) 963-0602
Fax: (541) 962-0345
advocate@mtemilysafecenter.com