Child sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse is a term that refers to when an adult forces or coerces a child into sexual activity. Although there is no universal definition of child sexual abuse, it is important that the abuser is in a dominant position or has control over the child. In order for an act to be considered child sexual abuse, physical contact doesn't have to be necessary. While child sexual abuse can include fondling of the genitals, masturbation, and vaginal/anal penetration, it can also include indecent exposure, voyeurism, and exposing a child to pornography.

Prevalence

According to a 2004 report by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2.2% of under 4 year olds, 9.1% of 4-7 year olds, 11.4% of 8-11 year olds, and 16.5% of 12-15 year olds have been sexually abused (in the U.S.). However due to social taboo and many other factors, most children do not reveal that they have been sexually abused. This is in part why it is difficult to gather accurate statistics on child sexual abuse, and therefore much of it goes unreported. There are many reasons why children do not disclose the abuse, such as fear of getting the abuser in trouble, not wanting to disrupt the family structure, or out of fear of not being believed. Additionally, threats (physical or otherwise) may be used by the abuser to keep the child from breaking the silence.

Child Sexual Offenders

Child sexual abuse can be perpetrated by anyone regardless of age, race, lifestyle, or any other individual factors. However, men account for the majority (90-97%) of child sexual abuse cases; though females can abuse as well. Furthermore, of the studies that have been conducted, it is very common (and most probable) that the offender is either related to the child or knows the child by other means. This means adults who have a trusting relationship with the child are most likely to be an abuser; which includes aunts, uncles, cousins, teachers, coaches, etc. Additionally, offenders can usually be grouped together into one of two categories, based on the motive for their crime:

Regressed offenders

Regressed offenders are primarily attracted to adults their own age, but may be passively aroused by minors. Typically, with regressed offenders, any sexual activity in their adolescent years has been exclusively with peers their own age (not younger children). Additionally, regressed offenders tend only to offend when under times of stress, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Most importantly, regressed offenders are primarily attracted to adults, and would prefer an adult partner over that of a child. However when they encounter problems within their adult relationship, they may seek out a child to temporarily fulfill their sexual desires.

Fixated offenders

Fixated offenders are much different in that their primary sexual interest is with children, not adults. Most fixated offenders meet the APA's diagnostic criteria for pedophilia, and are either primarily or exclusively aroused by prepubescent children. Fixated offenders are either not interested in or incapable of holding adult relationships, hence why they target children. Most sexual acts perpetrated by fixated offenders are not related to drugs or alcohol. Fixated offenders may be regarded as posing a greater risk to society, being that they specifically target children and will logically have a greater number of victims, as well as a higher risk to re-offend.

Older children and teens

Older children and teenagers are also capable of sexually abusing younger children. As long as the abuser is older, has a mental advantage, and has greater sexual knowledge than the child engaging in the act, the act can also be considered child sexual abuse. Many studies have shown that most fixated offenders recognized their attraction to children well before adulthood. Furthermore, many children begin abusing younger children before the age of 14. While the line between child experimentation and child sexual abuse is still very controversial, many U.S. courts are left with the dilemma of having to decide between the two. In many cases, children who sexually abuse younger children may have learned the behavior from being sexually abused themselves.

The "homosexual" offender myth

Contrary to many popular myths, there is no conclusive evidence to prove homosexuals are at a higher risk for sexually abusing children. Organizations (such as the Family Research Council) claim that 1/3 of sexual abuse cases involve men abusing boys, thus proving that homosexuals abuse disproportionately compared to heterosexuals. Unfortunately, many of these claims fail to address the fact that not every man who abuses a boy is a homosexual, as that is very rarely the case. Homosexual men are sexually attracted to adult men and their masculine characteristics. However of the studies done on fixated offenders, those who abuse boys are actually attracted to their lack of maturity, prepubescence, and feminine characteristics (i.e. underdeveloped muscles, lack of pubic hair, etc). Therefore, men who are primarily attracted to children (regardless of gender) are by definition, a pedophile; not a homosexual.

Sexually Abused Children

In short, any child can be a victim of child sexual abuse. However most recent studies show that caucasian children account for the highest percentage of child sexual abuse, second being Hispanics, and third being African Americans (in the U.S.). The average age group for child sexual abuse is 8-11; with an average age of 9.9 for boys, and 9.6 for girls. Based on studies of fixated offenders, many have found that children who are on the brink of puberty are most at risk; as many child sex offenders will take advantage of their developing sexual curiosity. Additionally, children who lack confidence or do not have strong social support (friends, family, etc) are at a much higher risk for sexual abuse, as many fixated offenders tend to seek out such children. Lastly, children with special needs (i.e. lacking a father figure, living in poverty) are also at a higher risk for abuse, as many offenders will shower such children with attention and gifts only to abuse their relationship later on.

Child Grooming

In most cases, before any sexual abuse actually occurs, the abuser will usually groom the child before initiating any sexual activity. Child grooming refers to any deliberate actions taken by an adult to form a trusting relationship with a child, for the purpose of later having sexual contact. The act of grooming a child sexually may include (and usually does include) activities that are legal in and of themselves. Typically, this is done to gain the child's trust as well as the trust of other adults in the child's life. Furthermore, research has shown children are less likely to report the crime if it involves someone that the he or she knows, trusts, and cares about. Additionally, a trusting relationship with the family means the child's parents will be less likely to believe any potential accusations, or suspect the abuse. Some examples of child grooming may include:

• Taking an undue interest in someone's child.
• Giving gifts or money for no apparent reason.
• Hugging, kissing, tickling, or other physical contact even when the child does not want this attention.
• Showing pornography to the child.
• Taking the child on special outings, away from other adults.

It is important to note that many abusers will go out of their to be charming, nice, and helpful to divert attention away from their deeper motive. By assimilating themselves into a child's family life, the child's parents will feel more comfortable leaving their child unattended with the potential abuser. The period between assimilating one's self into the family, to actual sexual contact is when the grooming process takes place.

Warning Signs

Typically, warning signs can be detected in both the child and the abuser when sexual abuse is either about to occur or has already taken place. Such warning signs in children may include:

• Depression
• Low self-esteem
• Problems sleeping/bed-wetting
• Irrational fears of a certain place or person.

In addition, the warning signs can also be physical, such as:

• Torn, stained, or bloody underwear.
• Difficulty walking or sitting.
• Redness, pain, bleeding, or bruising in the genital, vaginal, or anal area.

Most child sexual abusers tend to share some common characteristics. While there are plenty of offenders who abuse children with no behavior warning signs at all, a significant percentage of child sex offenders share these common attributes:

• Relates better to children than adults; feels more comfortable around children.
• Has few close adult friends.
• Prefers children in a specific age group.
• Usually prefers one gender over the other.
• May seek employment or volunteer opportunities with programs involving children in the preferred age group.
• Talks to children in ways that equalize their relationship.
• May offer to babysit or take children on trips where the situation can be manipulated to sleep with, bathe, or dress children.

See also

• Child abuse
• Incest
• Pedophilia
• Rape