CHILD ABUSE -SEXUAL

Child abuse -sexual

Child abuse -sexual

Definition

The term child abuse can be described as any damaging or unpleasant contact on the body of a child, and any sort of contact those results in humiliation, embarrassment, or threat to the child. The child abuse can be further categorized into four major parts; physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. Here we are emphasizing on sexual abuse in which the child is forcefully engaged in sexual activities, whether the level of violence is low or high. Such activities may include physical attack (rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative actions such as rubbing, touching, etc. Child abuse may also contain non-contact actions like involving or forcing a child in watching or producing sexual pictures, motivating a child to adopt sexually unsuitable behavior, etc (Botash, 2010).

The dilemma of child sexual abuse is something serious for our community, state, and the entire nation. It is estimated that before reaching the 18 years of age, one out four girls and one out of six boys will be subjected to sexual abuse. Amazingly, out of these victims less than one out of 10 will report the incident (Botash, 2010).

Signs and Symptoms

It is evident that the children are subjected to sexual abuse are at considerable risk of behavioral, medical, sexual and psychological disorders. That is why it is important for the guardians to observe the signs and symptoms of child's sexual abuse. Although it is not an easy task to recognize such condition of child but there are some physical and behavioral signs, which could help to identify the possibility of such happenings to the child. The physical symptoms of possible sexual abuse may include:

Itching or pain in the sexual organs or genital area

Bleeding or discoloration near genital area

Disease as a result of sexual ...