CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG WOMEN

Relationship between Child Sexual Abuse and Substance Use among Women

Relationship between Child Sexual Abuse and Substance Use among Women

Introduction

Sexual assault is a sexual act with or without physical contact, committed by an individual without the consent of the person or, in some cases, notably that of children, through emotional manipulation or blackmail. It is an act that subjects another person to his own desires for an abuse of power by the use of force or coercion, or threat implicit or explicit. (Miller, B. A., Downs, W. R., Gondoli. D. M. and Keil, A., 1987) Sexual assault violates the fundamental rights, including the physical and psychological integrity and security of person. Sexual assault is one of the most persistent social problems confronted by the world today. Its effect is powerful not only because of the regularity with which it happens, but also because of the significant trauma for sufferers. Traditionally, the sex-related misuse of children was resolved hesitantly due to it being considered as a distressing subject. (Miller, B. A., Downs, W. R., Gondoli. D. M. and Keil, A., 1987) Evidence from research studies suggest that there is an association between being the victim of sexual abuse and misusing alcohol. (Dembo, 1987) However, findings are not entirely consistent and the methodological difficulties of research on both sexual abuse and alcohol problems needs to be considered before reaching conclusions on this subject. Research which might illuminate the nature of any relationship between sexual abuse and alcohol misuse is sparse. (Dembo, 1987) It is therefore currently difficult to determine and unravel the complex web of possible causal interactions. The relationship between alcohol consumption and sexual assault victimization is also complex. (Dembo, 1987) This paper aims to discuss the relationship between child sexual abuse and alcohol usage among women.

Discussion

Child Sexual Abuse

Most children who are sexually abused are between the ages of 9-11, with girls being more likely to be abused than boys. However, the abuse of boys is often underestimated. Children with a disability are at almost double the risk of sexual abuse, with the risk increasing further when children are living in some sort of residential treatment center. (Miller, B. A., Downs, W. R., Gondoli. D. M. and Keil, A., 1987)

The age of perpetrators of child sexual abuse varies widely. Most sexual offenders develop deviant sexual interests prior to 18 years of age. The majority of perpetrators are male, representing all ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic groups. Although a minority of women have been identified as perpetrators, this phenomenon may be more common than data suggest due to lack of reporting. (Bryer, J., Nelson, B., Miller, J. & Krol, P., 1987) Most sexual offenders of children are known to their victims. However, rather than being family members, it is more likely that these individuals are outside the family sphere, such as friends or neighbors. Childhood sexual victimization also contributes to adult perpetration. Perpetrators may have experienced abuse directly in the past themselves, or they may have observed ...