Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a perilous concern for any community. Sexual abuse in a child is difficult to define. Sexual abuse of a child are sexual behaviors meant to sexually excite the perpetrator. These sexual acts can include, but are not limited to: kissing, masturbating in the presence of a child, forcing a child to touch themselves, the abuser, or someone else, touching the child’s genitalia, rubbing sexually on a child, having a child view pornography, taking pornographic photos or videos of a child, exposing genitalia to a child, or penetration of an object into a child’s anus, mouth, or vagina (Child Sexual Abuse). CSA is an insidious act that has lifelong and detrimental effects on the victim and their families.
Generally, it is …show more content…
It is a silent crime without witnesses, in most cases. What constitutes as child sexual abuse is ambiguous and complex. Many victims fail to disclose the abuse due to fear of losing the love of a parent, bringing shame to the family, or the abuser threatens to harm a loved one or pet (AACAP: Sexual Abuse). They are afraid they will not be believed, taken seriously, or accused of lying. Some children will deny sexual abuse, but make accusations at a later time. Some children will recant previously made accusations (Preventing Sexual Exploitation of Children). Defining and investigating such a complex crime as CSA combined with the difficulties of getting victims to come forward, make accurate reporting near …show more content…
Victims are more likely to engage in rebellious and risky behavior such as drug and alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, prostitution, or criminal activities. Low self-esteem, poor body image, eating disorders, and PTSD are other common issues CSA victims may have (Child Sexual Abuse). There are high rates of suicide attempts and ideation amongst male sexual abuse victims (Fergussen). According to Kaplan “…the risk of suicide becomes greater as the length and frequency of abuse increases.” Female victims of CSA were 2-4 times more likely to attempt suicide than non-victims and males were 4-11 time more likely to attempt suicide (Kaplan).Some may continue the vicious cycle of either becoming an abuser or becoming involved with abusers in adult relationships (AACAP: Sexual
Generally, it is …show more content…
It is a silent crime without witnesses, in most cases. What constitutes as child sexual abuse is ambiguous and complex. Many victims fail to disclose the abuse due to fear of losing the love of a parent, bringing shame to the family, or the abuser threatens to harm a loved one or pet (AACAP: Sexual Abuse). They are afraid they will not be believed, taken seriously, or accused of lying. Some children will deny sexual abuse, but make accusations at a later time. Some children will recant previously made accusations (Preventing Sexual Exploitation of Children). Defining and investigating such a complex crime as CSA combined with the difficulties of getting victims to come forward, make accurate reporting near …show more content…
Victims are more likely to engage in rebellious and risky behavior such as drug and alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, prostitution, or criminal activities. Low self-esteem, poor body image, eating disorders, and PTSD are other common issues CSA victims may have (Child Sexual Abuse). There are high rates of suicide attempts and ideation amongst male sexual abuse victims (Fergussen). According to Kaplan “…the risk of suicide becomes greater as the length and frequency of abuse increases.” Female victims of CSA were 2-4 times more likely to attempt suicide than non-victims and males were 4-11 time more likely to attempt suicide (Kaplan).Some may continue the vicious cycle of either becoming an abuser or becoming involved with abusers in adult relationships (AACAP: Sexual