Child Sexual Abuse

Child sexual abuse: a hidden problem in our country.  It becomes more prevalent and more well-known when it occurs to celebrities or involves a big scandal, as does any topic in America, but this is a topic that needs more publicity because it happens every day.  Abuse is a crisis that affects not only the abused child but the entire family.  I see it all the time with families that I work with: the entire family must learn how to deal with the abuse.  It is a family crisis, not just an individual crisis.

While doing research for another class, I came across some great resources that defined child sexual abuse.  The first step in making child sexual abuse more known and public is to know what it can include.

According to the American Psychological Association,

       "There is no universal definition of child sexual abuse. 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. Child sexual abuse may include fondling a child's genitals, masturbation, oral-genital contact, digital penetration, and vaginal and anal intercourse. Child sexual abuse is not solely restricted to physical contact; such abuse could include noncontact abuse, such as exposure, voyeurism, and child pornography. Abuse by peers also occurs."

Did you know that just exposing a child to pornography--even if unintentional--is considered child sexual abuse and punishable by law?  Did you know that a lot of children do not know or realize that what is happening to them is considered sexual abuse?  More often than not, child sexual abuse occurs by someone they know or love, whether it be a parent, other family member, friend, or anyone they trusted.  It makes it confusing for a child to think they need to tell another adult what is happening because they don't want that person they love to get in trouble, or they've been told that if they do tell someone others they love will get hurt.  What a struggle!

As someone who has life experiences involved in this, I know first hand how difficult it can be.  I highly suggest just taking a few minutes to read over this information provided by the American Psychological Association to better familiarize yourself with the definitions of child sexual abuse, who may be affected, who may commit the abuse, how to protect children, and other important areas.  I promise it is a quick and easy, and most importantly, highly informational read.

Go here: www.apa.org/pubs/info/brochures/sex-abuse.aspx?item=1

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