DEFINITION OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE (CSA)

Child sexual abuse refers to the involvement of a child in sexual activity that he or she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed consent to, or for which the child is not developmentally prepared and cannot give consent.It encompasses a range of actions, including but not limited to inappropriate touching, fondling, intercourse, and exploitation through prostitution or theproduction of pornographic materials.

Statistics on Child Sexual Abuse

• Prevalence

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that around 1 in 5 women and 1 in 13 men globally have experienced sexual abuse as children.

• Underreporting

  • Many instances of child sexual abuse are not reported to authorities. Estimates suggest that only about 38% of child victims disclose their abuse.

• Perpetrators

  • Approximately 60% of child sexual abuse perpetrators are individuals known to the child, such as family members, friends, or acquaintances.

• Impact on Victims

  • Survivors of child sexual abuse are at an increased risk for various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They may also face challenges such as substance abuse and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

National Center for Victims of Crime - CSA Statistics

Additional Resources:

National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Recognizing Child Sexual Abuse

Recognizing the signs of child sexual abuse is crucial for timely intervention and support. Signs can be physical, behavioral, or emotional and vary depending on the child and the circumstances.

Indicators of Child Sexual Abuse

Physical Signs

• Injuries or Symptoms

  • Unexplained bruises, bleeding, or pain in the genital or anal areas.

  • Difficulty walking or sitting.

  • Frequent urinary tract infections or yeast infections.

• STIs

  • Presence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or diseases in a child.

• Pregnancy

  • Unexplained pregnancy, particularly in young adolescents.

Behavioral Signs

• Sexual Behavior

  • Knowledge or behavior that is inappropriate for the child’s age.

  • Explicit sexual behavior with peers or adults.

• Withdrawal

  • Sudden withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they previously enjoyed.

  • Becoming unusually secretive.

• Changes in Eating or Sleeping

  • Eating disorders, appetite changes, or difficulty sleeping.

  • Nightmares or bedwetting, especially if previously dry.

• School Performance

  • Decline in school performance, difficulty concentrating, or frequent absences.

  • Reluctance to go to school or participate in school activities.

• Regressive Behaviors

  • Reverting to behaviors they’ve outgrown, such as thumb-sucking or bedwetting.

Emotional Signs

• Depression and Anxiety

  • Signs of depression, anxiety, or extreme fear.

  • Low self-esteem, self-harm, or talk of suicide.

• Mood Swings

  • Sudden and drastic mood swings or changes in personality.

• Trust Issues

  • Difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships.

  • Overly compliant or showing excessive need for approval.

Verbal Cues

• Disclosures

  • Direct or indirect disclosure of abuse.

  • Talking about a new “friend” who is an older child or adult.

• Inappropriate Language

  • Using sexual language or terms that are not age-appropriate.

Environmental and Situational Signs

• Isolation

  • The child is isolated from peers or family.

  • Limited access to social interactions outside the home.

• Family Dynamics

  • Dysfunctional family environment, domestic violence, or substance abuse in the home.

• Adult Behavior

  • An adult showing an unusual interest in the child or inappropriate boundaries.

Responses and Actions

Listen and Believe

• If a child discloses abuse, listen carefully, and believe them. Children rarely lie about such serious matters.

Reassure the Child

• Ensure the child knows they are not at fault and that they did the right thing by speaking up.

Seek Professional Help

• Contact child protective services, a pediatrician, or a mental health professional experienced in dealing with child sexual abuse.

Maintain Safety

• Ensure the child’s immediate safety, keeping them away from the suspected abuser if possible.

• Recognizing these signs requires a careful and sensitive approach. If you suspect a child is being abused, it's critical to take action immediately to protect the child and provide them with the necessary support and resources.

DEFINITION OF SEXUAL ABUSE (SA)

Sexual abuse encompasses any sexual activity where consent is not or cannot be given. This includes a range of acts such as rape, molestation, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. Perpetrators may use force, threats, or manipulation to coerce or take advantage of victims. Sexual abuse can occur in various settings, including homes, workplaces, educational institutions, and public spaces.

Statistics on Sexual Abuse

• Prevalence

  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 3 women globally have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

• Reporting Rates

  • Sexual abuse is significantly underreported. In the United States, for instance, the Department of Justice (DOJ) estimates that only about 25% of sexual assaults are reported to the police.

• Perpetrators

  • The majority of sexual abuse perpetrators are known to the victim. Data indicates that approximately 80% of rape victims knew theirPerpetrator.

• Impact on Victims

  • Survivors of sexual abuse are at a heightened risk for mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. They may alsoface physical health problems, including injuries, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and chronic conditions such as pain disorders.

Sources

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

Recognizing Sexual Abuse in Adults

Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse in adults can be challenging, as the indicators can be subtle and vary widely. Here are key signs to look for, encompassing physical, emotional, and behavioral aspects.

Physical Signs

• Injuries or Symptoms

  • Unexplained bruises, bleeding, or pain in the genital or anal areas.

  • Frequent urinary tract infections or other genital issues.

• STIs

  • Presence of sexually transmitted infections without explanation.

• Pregnancy

  • Unexplained pregnancy.

Behavioral Signs

• Changes in Sexual Behavior

  • Avoidance of sexual activity or hypersexual behavior.

  • Sudden changes in sexual behavior or attitudes towards sex.

• Withdrawal and Isolation

  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or social activities.

  • Becoming unusually secretive or isolated.

• Substance Abuse

  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs, often as a coping mechanism.

• Work or Social Performance

  • Decline in work performance, difficulty concentrating, or frequent absences.

  • Reluctance to go to work or engage in social activities.

Emotional Signs

• Depression and Anxiety

  • Persistent signs of depression or anxiety.

  • Low self-esteem, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.

• Mood Swings

  • Sudden and drastic mood swings or changes in personality.

• Trust Issues

  • Difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships.

  • Overly compliant or showing excessive need for approval.

Psychological Signs

• PTSD Symptoms

  • Flashbacks, nightmares, or severe anxiety related to the trauma.

  • Hyper-vigilance or being easily startled.

• Dissociation

  • Feeling detached from oneself or reality, experiencing memory gaps.

• Self-Destructive Behavior

  • Engaging in self-harm, risky behaviors, or suicidal tendencies.

Verbal and Disclosure Cues

• Indirect Disclosures

  • Making vague or indirect references to sexual abuse.

  • Joking or casually mentioning situations that hint at abuse.

• Explicit Disclosures

  • Directly telling someone about the abuse.

  • Talking about specific incidents or the abuser.

Relational and Environmental Signs

• Relationship Issues

  • Difficulty maintaining relationships, fear of intimacy, or promiscuity.

  • Partner displaying controlling or abusive behavior.

• Changes in Living Situation

  • Sudden changes in living arrangements or leaving home without explanation.

• Social Withdrawal

  • Isolating oneself from friends and family.

  • Avoiding social gatherings and interactions.

Responses and Actions

• Listen and Believe

  • If someone discloses abuse, listen carefully and believe them. False allegations of sexual abuse are rare.

• Reassure the Victim

  • Ensure the victim knows they are not at fault and that they did the right thing by speaking up.

• Seek Professional Help

  • Encourage the person to seek help from mental health professionals or support groups.

• Provide Support

  • Offer emotional support and help them find resources, such as counseling or legal assistance.

• Ensure Safety

  • If the person is in immediate danger, help them find a safe place and contact law enforcement if necessary.