SEXUAL ABUSE OF CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS:
WHAT IS CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE?
Child sexual abuse is the exploitation of a child or adolescent under the age of 17 by an adult (or another child at least two years older than the victim) for the purpose of the offender's own sexual gratification.
Child or adolescent sexual abuse can be physical or non-physical. Non-physical sexual abuse includes:
Exhibitionism (indecent exposure)Voyeurism (peeping in doors/windows)
Child Pornography
Physical sexual abuse of a child or adolescent can be non-violent or violent and includes:
Fondling of a child's genitalsNon-violent Sexual Intercourse
Incest
Violent acts, such as rape
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
It is your legal responsibility to report suspected cases to a protection agency or the child abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400. You do not have to prove the abuse, only report and initiate an investigation. You do not have to give your name.Be aware that child sexual abuse is not an isolated problem. It can happen to any child regardless of age, race, sex, or socioeconomic class.
Be aware that 85% of all reported child sexual abuse cases are committed by relatives or close friends of the victim's family.
Don't wait to talk to your child about "bad touches". By the age of 10 , one in four girls and one in five boys will have been sexually molested.
Teach children assertiveness and that adults are not always right.
Teach children the names of the parts of the body and which parts are private.
| Why men rape | Protecting our children |
| Date rape | Regaining control |
| Rape awareness | What is rape |
| If you are attacked | Rape |
| Adult survivors of child abuse | ------------ |
| ------------ | ------------ |
This document maintained by WEB MAN@ADDR.COM.
Material Copyright © 1998 THE
INTERNET MAN