The Trauma of Childhood Sexual Abuse

An estimated 39 million survivors of childhood sexual abuse exist in America today (Darness2Light, 2009a ). This figure continues to grow daily as perpetrators of this crime continue in this destructive path. The definition of child sexual abuse is the force, coercion, or cajoling of children into sexual activities by a dominant adult or adolescent. Sexual abuse of children includes touching (physical) sexually including: fondling; penetration (vaginal or anal using fingers, foreign objects or offenders organs; oral sex, or non-physical contact including: sexual comments; indecent exposures; masturbating in a child’s presence; child prostitution or child pornography (Child Welfare, 2009a).

However, these sexual acts can occur in a variety of ways that not only involve the most popular (one victim and one perpetrator), but also includes group sex - one victim and several abusers, or vice-versa; sex rings – usually organized by pedophiles; ritual abuse – some involve a version of Satanism that supports sex with children (Child Welfare, 2009b).

Because of their vulnerability, children are very easy preys for sexual predators. Children are taught to be respectful and trusting especially of adults, and are powerless, and confused when these abuses occur. Parents and caregivers are even sometimes unaware of these dangers to children. Darkness2Light (2009b) states:

“Even with the walls of their own homes, children are at risk for

Sexual abuse – 30-40% of victims are abused by a family member;

another 50% by someone outside the home whom they know and

trust; 40% are abused by older and larger children whom they know,

therefore; only 10% are abused by strangers.”

Men ar...

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... the victims’ lives. But if discovered in time, or if discovered at all, these victims may with the help of therapists, and a strong support base from family members be able to live their lives in a meaningful way. Victims’ families will also experience trauma resulting from the abuse and they will need therapy, and the knowledge on how to support victims. Because CPSA are so complex, the offenders need to be treated by therapists specifically trained to work with offenders and their families. Unless offenders receive long- term treatment, they likely will continue to molest children (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 2009c). The effects of CPSA also carry severe consequences for society as well because the expenditure of support, health and housing services, the penal system, resulting criminal, and the breakdown of the family structures affects everyone.