Child Sexual Abuse The Silent Epidemic What is

Child Sexual Abuse: The Silent Epidemic

What is Child Sexual Abuse? • Child sexual abuse is defined by the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) as “the employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticement, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage in, any sexually explicit conduct or simulation of such conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct; or the rape, and in cases of caretaker or inter-familiar relationships, statutory rape, molestation, prostitution, or other form of sexual exploitation of children, or incest with children. ”

The Facts • Every 6 minutes, a child is sexually assaulted in the United States. • Only 1 in 10 sexually abused children tell someone. • In 90% of child sexual abuse cases, the child knows and trusts the person who sexually abuses them, i. e. , friend, neighbor, clergy, teacher, family member, coach, babysitter, etc. • One in three girls and one in seven boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.

A Happiness Worth Defending • When children are little and parents are responsible for their every need, it is overwhelming. • When children are school age and parents aren’t always there to supervise, children are vulnerable. • When children become teenagers and don’t think before they act, there are unforeseen consequences. Child abuse prevention is important every step of the way in the growth of children…and parents…and other caring adults.

Child Sexual Abuse Includes Touching and Non-Touching Behaviors

Touching Behaviors • Touching a child’s genitals (penis, testicles, vulva, breasts, or anus) for sexual pleasure or other unnecessary purpose • Making a child touch someone else’s genitals, or playing sexual (“pants-down”) games • Putting objects or body parts (like fingers, tongue, or a penis) inside the vulva or vagina, in the mouth, or in the anus of a child for sexual pleasure or other unnecessary purpose

Non-Touching Behaviors • • • Showing pornography to a child Exposing a person’s genitals to a child Asking children to interact sexually with one another Online enticement of a child for sexual purposes Photographing a child in sexual poses Exposing a child to adult sexual activity in person or through the use of technology • Watching a child undress or use the bathroom, often without the child’s knowledge (known as voyeurism or being a “peeping Tom”)

Behavioral Symptoms of Possible Child Sexual Abuse • Nightmares, sleep problems, extreme fears without an obvious explanation • Sudden or unexplained personality changes; seems withdrawn, angry, moody, clingy, or shows significant changes in eating habits • An older child behaving like a younger child, i. e. , bedwetting or thumb-sucking • Develops a fear of certain places or resists being alone with an adult or young person for unknown reasons • Shows resistance to routine bathing, toileting, or removing clothes even in appropriate situations

Behavioral Symptoms of Possible Child Sexual Abuse • Writes, draws, plays, or dreams of sexual or frightening images • Refuses to talk about a secret he or she has with an adult or older child • Stomach aches or illness, often with no identifiable reason • Leaves clues that seem likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues • Uses new or adult words for body parts • Engages in adult-like sexual activities with toys, objects, or other children

Behavioral Symptoms of Possible Child Sexual Abuse • Develops special relationships with older friends that may include unexplained money, gifts, or privileges • Intentionally harms himself or herself, i. e. , drug/alcohol use, cutting, burning, running away, sexual promiscuity • Becomes increasingly secretive around the use of the Internet or cell phone • Develops physical symptoms such as unexplained soreness, pain, or bruises around the genitals or mouth, sexually-transmitted diseases, or pregnancy

Behavioral Symptoms of Possible Child Sexual Abuse • Seems distracted or distant at odd times • Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, insecurity, or withdrawal • Develops new or unusual fear of certain people or places • Talks about a new older friend • Thinks of himself or herself or his/her body as repulsive, dirty, or bad • Has a sudden change in eating habits o Refuses to eat o Loses or drastically increases appetite o Has trouble swallowing

Note: Behavioral Symptoms • Some of these behavioral signs can show up at other stressful times in a child’s life such as divorce, the death of a family member, friend, or pet, or when there are problems in school, as well as when abuse is involved. • Any single sign doesn’t mean the child was abused, but several of them mean that you should begin to explore the situation more fully.

Physical Warning Signs of Possible Child Sexual Abuse • Unexplained bruises, redness, rashes, bumps, scabs, or bleeding of the child’s genitals, anus, or mouth • Pain at the genitals, anus, or mouth • Genital sores or milky fluids or repeated infections in the genital area • Persistent or recurring pain during urination and bowel movements • Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training • Urinary tract infections • Sexually transmitted diseases

Effects of Child Sexual Abuse • Research demonstrates that sexually abused children are more likely to experience serious consequences during childhood and throughout their lives. • Some of these effects include the following:

Effects of Child Sexual Abuse • • • Post traumatic stress disorder Anxiety and depression Substance abuse Aggression, oppositionality, and defiance Criminal behavior and violent offenses Sexual promiscuity Teen pregnancy and motherhood Self-inflicted harm Delinquency Decreased school performance and dropout

Effects of Child Sexual Abuse • Health problems • Suicide

Understand Why Children Are Afraid to Tell • • The abuser sometimes threatens the child or a family member. The abuser may try to confuse the child about right and wrong. Many abusers tell children the abuse is “okay” or “a game. ” The abuser may shame the child, blame the child, or tell the child that his/her parents will be angry. • Children are afraid of disrupting or hurting their family. • Some children who did not initially disclose are afraid to tell when it happens again. • Some children are too young to understand.

Know How Children Communicate • Children may ask questions about bodies, interactions, or sex, rather than talk directly about something they’ve experienced. • Children may tell parts of what happened, or pretend it happened to someone else, in order to check your reaction. • Children who disclose sexual abuse often tell a trusted adult other than a parent. • Children will often shut down and refuse to tell more if you respond emotionally or negatively.

Talk Openly With Children • Talk with children when they are young, and use proper names for body parts. • Tell children what sexual abuse is, and when age appropriate, about sex. • Tell children what parts of the body others should not touch. Use examples with situations and people in their lives. • Teach children that they have the right to tell any person “NO” to unwanted or uncomfortable touch. • Tell children it is not OK for adults or older children to use sexual words with them, or to act in a sexual way.

Talk Openly With Children • Explain that secrets can be harmful, and if someone asks them to keep a secret, they should tell you about it. • Teach children not to give out e-mail or home addresses, phone numbers, or other personal information while using the Internet or handheld devices. • Ask children about their online experiences and learn about the sites and services they use. • Explore with children who their trusted adults are in the settings they frequent. • Speak and listen quietly and calmly. It’s important that children feel safe and loved in all of these discussions.

Developing a Safety Action Plan for Families • It is important to teach children about safety. It is even more important to teach ourselves (as adults) what we need to know in order to keep our children and communities safe. • Listed are some things that both families and adults in the community can do to prevent the sexual abuse of children.

Take Responsibility • Adults must watch for any inappropriate behaviors in other adults or older children because children, especially young ones, are not as able to recognize these behaviors or to protect themselves. • Stay attuned to your children’s use of technology— Internet, e-mail, instant messaging, webcam use, peer-to -peer and social networking sites, and cell use, including photo exchanges. • Show in your own life how to say “no. ” Teach your children that their “no” will be respected, whether it’s in playing or tickling or hugging and kissing.

Take Responsibility • Set and respect family boundaries. All members of the family have rights to privacy in dressing, bathing, sleeping, and other personal activities. If anyone does not respect these rights, an adult should clearly tell them the family rules. • Speak up when you see any inappropriate behaviors. Interrupt and talk with whoever is making you uncomfortable in a situation or with someone in a position to intervene. They may need help to stop these behaviors. • Report anything you know or suspect might be sexual abuse. If nobody speaks up, the abuse will not stop.

Learn, Teach, and Practice • Practice talking with other adults about difficult topics. Say the words out loud so that you become more comfortable using the words, asking questions, and confronting behaviors. • Be receptive with both the adults and the children in your life about their difficult issues. Help them get comfortable talking with you. Show them that you will listen to anything they have to say, even if they talk about something embarrassing or something they’ve done wrong.

Learn, Teach, and Practice • Use the proper names of body parts. Just as you teach your children that a nose is a nose, they need to know what to call their genitals. This knowledge gives children correct language for understanding their bodies, for asking questions that need to be asked, and for telling about any behavior that could lead to sexual abuse. • Be clear with adults and children about the difference between okay touch and touch that is not okay. For younger children, teach more concrete rules such as “talk with me if anyone—family, friend, or anyone else—touches your private parts. ”

Learn, Teach, and Practice • Explain to the adults and children you know about the difference between a secret and a surprise and show them how secrets may make children unsafe. Surprises are joyful and generate excitement in anticipation of being revealed after a short period of time. Secrets exclude others, often because the information will create anger. • Make it clear that children will be supported when they request privacy or say “no” to an activity or a kind of touch that makes them uncomfortable.

Learn, Teach, and Practice • Give children permission to tell anyone they trust if they feel scared, uncomfortable, or confused by someone’s behavior toward them.

Make a Plan • Create a family safety plan that is clear to everyone and easy to follow. Make sure you list who to talk with when you see something you are unsure about and who to call if you believe there is a need to report sexual abuse. Teach children about what to do and who to talk with if they are sexually threatened or touched by someone. • Make a list of people and organizations you can call for advice, information, and help. Even if you do not have children of your own, you can be a resource about how to report and how to get help for everyone involved.

React Responsibly • • A child has broken through secrecy, fear, and shame and has chosen you as the person he or she trusts enough to tell. Honor that with attention, compassion, and belief. Listen calmly and openly. Don’t fill in the gaps, or rush to “get to the bottom of it. ” Don’t ask leading questions about details. Ask only open ended questions like, “What happened next? ” or say, “It’s OK to tell me more. ”

React Responsibly • • Believe the child. Tell the child he’s done nothing wrong. Affirm the child’s courage. Seek the help of a professional who is trained to talk with the child about sexual abuse.

Mandated Reporting • Per school board policy, as well as state law, all school employees are mandated to respond when a student is known or suspected to be a victim of child abuse or neglect. • If a student discloses to the teacher that he/she has been abused or neglected in any way, that teacher has the responsibility to inform DHR of the information that has been disclosed to him/her. • It is not permissible for the teacher (or any other faculty and staff member) to ask the counselor or social worker to make the report to DHR on their behalf.

Mandated Reporting • Tell the child’s name and where the child lives. • Tell the facts. This may include what the child has told you, or behaviors from the alleged offender that you saw. • Tell what signs you’ve seen in the child. • Tell what access the alleged offender has to the child. And remember, if you’ve discovered child pornography, you’ve discovered sexual abuse. Report child pornography to the police or to the Cyber Tipline at 1. 800. THE. LOST.

Resources • Stop It Now! Helpline: 1. 888. PREVENT (1. 888. 773. 8368) Website: www. stopitnow. org • Stop It Now! offers adults the tools they need to prevent sexual abuse before a child is harmed. They provide support, information, and resources that enable individuals and families to keep children safe and to create healthier communities. You may contact their confidential, national toll-free helpline (1. 888. PREVENT) for support, resources, and referrals, or visit the website at www. stopitnow. org.

Resources • The Safer Society Foundation 802. 247. 3132 www. safersociety. org • Call for a referral to a local treatment provider for a child, adolescent, or adult with sexual behavior concerns. (MF, 9: 00 a. m. -4: 30 p. m. ET) Also provides publications for children or adults with sexual behavior problems, their families, survivors, treatment providers, and mandated reporters. Call for a free catalogue.

Resources • Child Molestation Research and Prevention Institute 404. 872. 5152 www. childmolestationprevention. org • Online directory for sex-specific therapists for evaluation and treatment. Extensive reading lists for parents of children with sexual behavior problems and parents of victims, for professionals, adults with sexual behavior concerns, adults molested as children and their partners.

Resources • National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC) 1. 800. FYI. CALL (1. 800. 394. 2255) www. ncvc. org • An information and referral center for victims. Through its database of over 30, 000 organizations, NCVC refers callers to services including crisis intervention, research information, assistance with the criminal justice process, counseling, support groups, and referrals to local attorneys in victim-related cases.

Resources • Childhelp USA 1. 800. 4 A Child (1. 800422. 4453) www. childhelpusa. org • Provides a broad continuum of programs that directly serve abused children and their families. Adults and children can request local telephone numbers to report cases of abuse or access crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are anonymous and confidential, and 24/7 assistance is provided in 170 different languages.

Resources • CARE House (Baldwin County’s Child Advocacy Center) 937 -2055 (Bay Minette) or 989 -2555 (Summerdale) www. bccarehouse. org • Provides services and resources for child victims of sexual abuse and severe physical abuse. These services are offered in a home-like environment where children feel safe and comfortable. • The main location is in Bay Minette, AL, with a satellite site in Summerdale, AL. • CARE House serves all of Baldwin County, and all services are offered free of charge to the child and supportive family members.

Resources • National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) 256. 533. KIDS (5437) www. nationalcac. org • Created in 1985 in Huntsville, AL, the NCAC has served as a model for the 900+ Children’s Advocacy Centers now operating in the United States and in more than 25 countries throughout the world. • The NCAC operates on a multidisciplinary team approach whereby law enforcement, criminal justice, child protective services, and medical and mental health workers work on one coordinated team, thereby better helping sexually abused children.

We can make a difference step by step, and these steps add up to happier, healthier children and stronger communities.