The National Center for Victims of Crime reports that up to 20 percent of girls and five percent of boys become victims of sexual abuse as a minor. As many cases often go unreported, the statistics are suspected as being higher. The crime is considered child sex abuse when the victim is under the age of 18.
When an instance of child sexual abuse occurs, parents and other adults concerned about the child’s welfare often voice a number of common questions. Below, you can find answers to these questions.
1. What are the warning signs that a child is being sexually abused?
Youngsters through adolescence exhibit certain behavioral changes that indicate they may be a victim. These behaviors include:
- The onset of nightmares or a dramatic change in sleep patterns
- Distancing themselves from loved ones or appearing distracted
- Drastic changes in eating habits
- Mood swings that may include anger, fear or sadness
- Avoidance of particular people or places
- Draws, writes or enacts sexual situations
- Demonstrates unusual knowledge of sexually-related language or acts
- Receiving money or gifts
- Develops a poor body image
In adolescents, additional behaviors may include:
- Self-injury
- Substance abuse
- Sudden promiscuity
- Lack of personal hygiene
2. What is child sex abuse?
Generally, the abuse involves interaction between a minor and an older child or adult that sexually stimulates the perpetrator. The offender may simply expose their genitalia in front of the child or watch as a child removes their clothing. The abuse may involve inappropriate kissing, fondling, rubbing, oral sex or actual penetration.
Perpetrators solicit youngsters using manipulation, deception or other coercive techniques. Once they engage a child in the activity, they may offer gifts along with threats to keep the meetings secret.
3. Who are the perpetrators?
Statistics indicate that up 75 to 90 percent of the cases involve a family member or another individual with whom the child is familiar. While teaching a child to be wary of strangers is not a bad idea, the advice does little to protect them from potential predators. Updated advice includes instructing a child to prohibit anyone from touching them on their body in areas that are covered by a swimsuit or underwear.
The majority of offenders are male. However, the perpetrator might also be female. While predators are commonly adults, older teens have also been implicated as perpetrators.
4. What do I do if my child is a victim?
If a child admits abuse has occurred, notify law enforcement. Child protective services often also become involved. Representatives of both agencies assist parents and children in creating an official report. If the child has endured physical abuse, they must be examined by a health care provider trained in dealing with child sexual abuse cases.
5. Must the victim undergo an interview?
Questioning a child depends on the age of the victim and the intensity of the crime. If able, children may talk with a social services employee or a law enforcement forensic specialist. In either case, the interviewing adult is typically experienced in handling the delicate subject.
6. Will the child have to attend a trial?
Witness testimony remains the preferred means of establishing the perpetrator and the events surrounding the crime. The types of questions posed to the child depend on their age and the type of abuse. However, the line of questioning is often specific.
If your child has been the victim of a sexual crime, there are many means of support available to your child and to your family.
