Sexual violence against children

Your daughter had a terrible dream, if someone tries to remove her pants. What is it - fantasy or an attempt to share what really happened?

Such revelations may be the only indication that a child subjected to sexual harassment. These children are frightened and confused. They have mixed feelings: on the one hand, the credibility of the perpetrator, very often it is a familiar person on the other hand - I suspect that this should not happen. Abuser can intimidate the child and make him keep silent. Some children blame themselves around or are too ashamed to tell anyone about what had happened.

According to some estimates, to 18 years in at least 10% of boys and 25% of girls had experienced sexual harassment. Most often in the role of the person molest a child, stands the familiar people: a teacher, neighbor, brother, adoptive parent or a priest. In short, a credible person to whom the child trusts.

What is sexual violence?

Sexual violence does not necessarily involve physical contact. Child may be forced to watch a pornographic movie, or watch as someone masturbates. A child can entice into sexual chat on the Internet. Rapist may peep for a child when he is naked or in his soul. Kissing, petting, intercourse, oral and anal sex is also included in the concept of sexual violence.

Experts believe that children are not peculiar to invent stories of sexual violence, so parents should take seriously to such stories. You can ask clarifying questions about the child, but necessarily at the same time to remain calm. What else is needed:

* Select the facts and do not carry ratings
* Do not defend a rapist, if a relative or family friend.
* Tell your child that he is the right thing by telling all adults. Do not accuse him that he was not told about the fact of violence before.
* Explain to your child that he was not guilty.
* Remind your child that his parents love him, no matter what.
* Tell your child that you are sure to make sure that this does not happen again.

Suspicions of sexual abuse

Sexual violence is difficult to recognize if there are no abrasions and bruises, bleeding and pain. Lamentations and the poor child's behavior may indicate a lot of problems. What should make the guard:

* Sleep problems, nightmares or bed-wetting
* Mood swings
* Fear of certain places, people or circumstances
* Return to the behavior that is not characteristic for this age (thumb sucking, requests to take the hand)
* Gratuitous pain in the abdomen
* Sudden interest in sexual organs or sexual acts
* Use new vocabulary to describe sexual organs or sexual intercourse
* The desire to look seductive
* Violence in games
* Secrecy

Suspicion of sexual abuse against a child should see a doctor and child psychologist. In the absence of childhood sexual trauma may lead to eating disorders, alcoholism, mental disturbances and the development of PTSD in adulthood. The feeling of guilt may result in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, lead to early pregnancy and antisocial behavior.

The chances of the child to recover from experienced sexual violence is largely dependent on the support of parents.
Rx Kansas