Childhood Sexual Abuse Is A Global Issue

Studies have shown a clear correlation between childhood sexual assault (CSA) and negative sexual experiences later in life. Of relevance to the criminal justice system, these later forms of sexual victimization include sexual assault and sex work. The relationship between CSA and adverse sexual development is a correlation between two things, not a direct pathway from cause to effect. While survivors of sexual assault are at a higher risk of experiencing these later forms of victimization, this correlation represents a highly complex process involving a wide range of mediating factors and the intersections between them. Any experience of sexual assault is highly traumatic. Survivors of CSA, however, represent a unique population, because their trauma occurs near the start of the human developmental process and therefore alters all development thereafter.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is growing and becoming more prevalent around the world (Aspelmeier, Elliott, & Smith, 2007; Karakurt & Silver, 2014; Mikulincer & Shaver, 2007). As such, CSA acquired concern as being a serious problem in recent decades. CSA is any type of sexual relation with a child, who is unable to consent, through force, threat, or dishonesty to assure participation. Consequently, CSA associates with psychological difficulties, such as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

increased anxiety, fears, emotional lability, depression, oppositional and conduct disorders, and substance abuse are other reported sequelae to sexual abuse. Interpersonal difficulties, increased rates of re-victimization later in life, and increased risk for suicide are encountered more frequently among child sexual abuse (p. 2).

In general, childhood sexual abuse survivors tend to either pursue sex recklessly as adults or to forgo sex completely (Thompson, 2015). Adult survivors of child sexual abuse tend to have trouble with intimacy and relationships. Their first encounter with sex may have been as a result of being sexually abused. Many survivors experience flashbacks or painful memories while engaging in sexual activity, even though it is consensual and on their own terms. Survivors may also struggle to set boundaries that

Childhood sexual abuse is a very sensitive matter and is not a personal issue but a familial and societal issue therefore the Gatehouse works along with survivor’s partners and family to explore this issue. A one-day workshop is available at The Gatehouse, which explores “being the partner of a person who has been traumatized by childhood sexual abuse” (The Gatehouse, 2016). The Gatehouse strongly believes in the need for community support in the repercussion of child abuse. Through a reframing learning process, adult victims and survivors learn skills that allow them to transform the trauma of childhood sexual abuse into a positive lifestyle. Topics such as inner child, triggers, anxiety, sexuality, and resiliency are discussed in support groups, one-on-one sessions, and in intakes.

CSA is a public health problem which requires a strategic coordinated response. The needs of sexually abused children require attention. This group of individuals require therapeutic services in order to meet their needs. Therefore, the first task in treating sexually abused children is carrying out a therapeutic evaluation (Mathews, Naeemah & Jewkes 2013). This is necessary in order to identify problem areas, as well as the strengths and coping styles of the child, and also to determine whether and how to provide treatment to the child. Furthermore, appropriate and early intervention is essential in order to minimize the risk of long- term negative outcome of CSA, especially for child victims who show symptoms of sexual abuse (Mangilo, 2009)

Also, developing these intimate relationships has been shown to decrease depression no matter what level of abuse that was experienced. The partner must also gain skills and be educated on the long and short-term effects of childhood sexual abuse so it is understood how they can assist in the healing

The Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a set of responses to a traumatic event, which exposes a person to “actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence” (American Psychiatric Association [APA],

There are multiple negative behavioral patterns and somatic symptoms that follow an individual who has experienced the trauma of sexual abuse: body image issues, self-harm inflictions, and anal incontinence (for women and men), are only a few effects. To reiterate, though the abuse took place in childhood, its effects can last a lifetime and one trigger can set in motion a crisis. Kremer, I., & Rosenbloom, T., (2013) defines body image as, “a set of mental representations of the body that reflect the general perceptions, emotions, expectations, cognitions, and behaviors related to the body”. How an individual use their body is based upon how they perceives themselves and their body. The sexually promiscuous married adult who is jeopardizing their family to satisfy a sexual urge may in fact have a history of sexual

Childhood sexual abuse is a significant issue children face in our society that has long term consequences. Sexual abuse in any form is a traumatizing experience regardless of age, but sibling sexual abuse is believed to be more common than parent-child incest. This form of abuse has long term effects such as lack of self-esteem, poor leadership qualities, developing an eating disorder, substance abuse, suffering from depression and/or suicidal behavior. Society often minimizes sibling sexual abuse the long term effects it has. For example, possessing leadership skills like strategic thinking, motivating others, being charismatic, and assertiveness are important aspects of everyday life not only for work environments, but school

Numerous mental impacts of CSA are found in offspring of all ages. Children who are sexually abused are at considerably greater risk for stress and other anxiety symptoms, sadness and suicide ideation. These emotional issues can cause substantial distractions in normal development and often have a lasting impact, leading to dysfunction and distress well into adulthood. Behavioral problems, including physical aggression, non-compliance, and oppositionality occur frequently among sexually abused children and adolescents (Saunders, B.E., Kilpatrick, D.G., Hanson, R.F., Resnick, H.S., & Walker, M. E, 1999).

After working in Child Welfare for over a decade, sexual abuse of a child is still the most traumatic abuse that I have ever encountered. This abuse not only affects the victims psychological and mental states, but may also affect their surroundings to include, community, family and friends. Childhood sexual abuse includes engaging in sexual activities with children 0- 17 years of age by way of fondling, touching in a sexual manner, attempting sexual intercourse (oral, anal or vaginal), and having any type of sexual intercourse with children (Dube et al., 2005). This abuse is a major societal problem that presents an array of difficult decisions for those involved in its investigation and substantiation process (London, Bruck, Wright & Ceci, 2007).

of trauma (Kirmayer, Lemelson, & Barad, 2007) and that only a small percentage of victims of severe and profound trauma develop PTSD (van der

Child sexual abuse has been reported up to 80,000 times a year, but the number of unreported instances is far greater, because the children are afraid to tell anyone what has happened (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry). Childhood sexual abuse is a traumatic experience affecting the lives of not only the victim, but those close to the victim as well. Many think there is only one person truly traumatized, but in fact, everyone involved is affected. The victim has to deal with their experience the rest of their lives. They may be more at risk for other mental issues as well, including depression. The family involved has to deal with its pain, often causing hardship and discord within the family. This is especially true

Child abuse is a worldwide problem needing to be solved. It is seen in powerful pieces of fiction that through themes and actions, it is possible to highlight the wrong in society and therefore can draw action towards the cause. The Bone People is largely based on the family dynamics of the New Zealand people and a large subsection of this family life is focused on the abuse the child, Simon, receives from his father, Joe. The violence in The Bone People by Keri Hulme demonstrates the violent history of child abuse in New Zealand and more specifically, the greater risk of child abuse stemming from the Maori culture. With violence being a central theme of the novel, the author is able to state a claim that speaks out against child abuse.