Childhood Sexual Abuse

1 in 3 American women and 1 in 6 American men have been the victim of childhood sexual exploitation.

93% of victims knew their attacker.

60% of offenders were classified as acquaintances of the victim

68% of the abuse occurred in private residences.

Almost half of the victims under the age of 6 were abused by family members.

Sexual abuse is any sexual act between an adult and a child.

This includes:

Fondling
Violations of Bodily Privacy
Child Pornography
Exposing Children to Pornography
Luring a Child for Sexual Liaisons
Exposing a Child to Adult Sexuality
Child Prostitution
Sexual Acts with a Child

Symptoms of Child Sexual Abuse Include:

· Fear or dislike of certain people or places

· Sleep disturbances

· Headaches/Migraines (nausea)

· School problems

· Withdrawal from family, friends, or usual activities

· Excessive bathing or poor hygiene

· Return to younger, more babyish behavior

· Depression

· Anxiety (social anxiety)

· Discipline problems

· Running away

· Eating disorders

· Passive or overly pleasing behavior

· Delinquent acts

· Low self-esteem

· Self-destructive behavior

· Hostility or aggression

· Drug or alcohol problems

· Sexual activity or pregnancy at an early age

· Suicide attempts

· Additional Symptoms

Children who have been sexually abused frequently have more specific symptoms:

· Copying adult sexual behavior

· Persistent sexual play with other children, themselves, toys or pets

· Displaying sexual knowledge, through language or behavior, that is beyond what is normal for their age

· Unexplained pain, swelling, bleeding or irritation of the mouth, genital or anal area; urinary infections; sexually transmitted diseases

· Hints, indirect comments or statements about the abuse

· Unusual interest in or avoidance of all things of a sexual nature.

· Sleep problems, nightmares.

· Depression or withdrawal from friends or family.

· Seductiveness.

· Statements that their bodies are dirty or damaged, or fear that there is something wrong with them in the genital area.

· Refusal to go to school, delinquency.

· Secretiveness.

· Aspects of sexual molestation in drawings, games, fantasies.

· Unusual aggressiveness.

· Suicidal behavior.

· Other severe behavior changes.

· Inappropriate interest in or knowledge of sexual acts

· Seductiveness

· Avoidance of things related to sexuality, or rejection of own genitals or bodies

· Nightmares and bed wetting

· Drastic changes in appetite

· Over compliance or excessive aggression

· Fear of a particular person or family member

· Withdrawal, secretiveness, or depression

· Suicidal behavior

· Eating disorders

· Self-injury

Long Term Effects of Childhood Sexual Abuse Can Include:

Depression
Anxiety and Related Anxiety Disorders
Abusive Parenting or Care giving
Feelings of Worthlessness and Low Self Esteem
Drug and Alcohol Dependency
Self Injury
Eating Disorders
Self Destructive Behavior
Insomnia
Flashbacks
Problems with Intimacy in Adult Relationships
Revictimization
Excessive Dissociation and Related Dissociative Disorders
Promiscuity
Behavior Problems
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

If You Suspect a Child is Being Sexually Abused:

1. Call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline:

1 – 800 – 4 - A – CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

2. Childhelp will not make the report for you but they can help you make the report by creating a three way call with your local law enforcement agency.

You may be afraid of reporting child abuse because of possible repercussions to the child or to yourself. You probably will be relieved to know that:

The child abuse will be confirmed before the child is removed from the home. The authorities will investigate, and if your suspicions of child abuse are correct, the child would then be removed from the home and placed in safe care.

Reporting is anonymous. In most states, you do not have to give your name when you report child abuse. The child abuser cannot find out who made the report of child abuse.