Child Sexual Assault

F A M I L Y P R O B L E M S

Child sexual assault occurs when an adult or someone bigger than a child uses his power or authority over the child and takes advantage of the child’s trust and respect to involve the child in sexual activity. Child sexual assault does not refer only to sexual intercourse, although sexual intercourse is often involved. It includes fondling genitals, masturbation, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration by a finger, penis or any other object. It may also include exhibitionism and suggestive behaviour. In all classes, the offender has more power than the child and misuses that power to take advantage of the child.

About 85% of those who sexually assault children are relatives, close family friends, or people known to and trusted by the child. Their position of trust, and the child’s powerlessness make it easy for them to conceal the crime and persuade or frighten the child to keep quiet about it. Ninety percent of child offenders are male, and 90% of their victims are female. Research suggests that up to one in three girls and one in eleven boys are sexually assaulted during their childhood.

Until quite recently, child sexual assault was hardly ever discussed. We now know however, that many of the myths of child sexual abuse are not true. We know that ; -

Fathers do not have the right to abuse their children.
The offender is the only responsible person - no one else.
Children do not ‘ask for it’. They can never be blamed if an adult involves them in inappropriate sexual activity.
The child’s mother is not to blame.
Excuses such as ‘it’s just a show of affection’ or ‘it’s our special game’ are not acceptable. Sexual assault is inappropriate behaviour and a serious abuse of trust.
Child sexual assault does not benefit the child in any way.
Child sexual assault has many harmful effects which victims need help and support to overcome. These are sometimes difficult to detect and may appear later in life.
There are no excuses for child sexual assault.
If you notice that a child is demonstrating sexual behaviour inappropriate to their age, development and vocabulary level; is exploring sexual themes and fears through artwork, stories or play; complains of pain, injury or itching in the genital area; or is reluctant to go to a certain place or be with a particular person, she or he may have been sexually assaulted.

A child may also tell you that she or he has been assaulted.

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	Child Abuse		Child Sexual Assault.
	Family Problems - Loneliness.		Rape.
	Violence to Women.

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