Incest and Childhood Sexual Abuse

What are Incest and Childhood Sexual Abuse?

Definition: Sexual abuse consists of any sexual incident of sexual contact between a child under 16 years of age and a person who is in a position of authority. Child Sexual Abuse is a sexual act imposed on a child who lacks emotional, maturational, and cognitive development. The abuse can include, but is not limited to, an invitation to touch by an adult, oral rape, being forced to watch or partake in sexual acts, viewing of pornographic videos, forced to pose for seductive or sexual photos, rape, fondling, molestation, exhibitionism, sodomy, and/or incest. Persons in authority includes, but is not limited to, a parent, a babysitter, a foster parent, teacher, nursery school/day care teacher, relative, or anyone that may have charge or control of a child for any given period of time. This is an all inclusive definition of child sexual abuse. It includes all sexual acts, exploitation and offense against children by adults acting in the parental role, whether by a family member or relative, and whether or not permission, force, or coercion is used or involved. The effects of such abuse often creates barriers to sexual development, self concept and other areas. Survivors usually have to resolve some of these issues as adults.

Sexual abuse involves forcing, tricking, bribing, threatening or pressuring a child into sexual awareness or activity. The abuse often begins gradually and increases over time.

The use of physical force is rarely necessary to engage a child in sexual activity because children are trusting and dependent. They want to please others and gain love and approval. Children are taught not to question authority and they believe that adults are always right. Perpetrators of child sexual abuse know this and take advantage of these vulnerabilities in children. Sexual abuse is an abuse of power over a child and a violation of a child's right to normal, healthy, trusting relationships.


bar

Where can I go for more in depth information about these topics?


bar

jewelnk.gif

1