Effects Of Child Sexual Abuse

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Sexual abuse is a very common and prevalent problem in the United States. Approximately 80,0000 cases of child abuse are reported every year. ("Child sexual abuse," 2011) However, these numbers may not be accurate due to underreporting. Most common types of sexual abuse are incestuous abuse, extra-familial abuse, pornography, prostitution, sex rings, cults, or sexual abuse within institutions. It is estimated that 60-70% of all sexual abuse occurs within the family. Victims may be male or female, but female victims are the most widely reported. Perpetrators may be male or female, but are more predominately male. Sexual abuse can cause lasting mental and physical effects on children. These effects can vary in severity depending on the type and length of the sexual abuse. (Crosson-Tower, 2013) Sexual Abuse of Children Sexual abuse is a very common and prevalent problems in the United States. Approxmately 80,0000 cases of child abuse are reported every year. ("Child sexual abuse," 2011) However, these numbers may not be accurate. Several cases of sexual abuse go unreported. “It is estimated that one in four women are sexually abused during their childhood” ("Definitions, scope, and,"). The actual number of sexually abused males is vastly underreported, but it estimated that possibly “one in six males are sexually abused as children”("Definitions, scope, and," ) . The effects of child abuse are long lasting and can cause problems in the child's adult life. It is very important to understand how to recognize sexual abuse, what steps can be taken to help stop the abuse, and what help is available for the child. (Crosson-Tower, 2013) Sexual abuse is defined as any sexual activity with a child that is being u... ... middle of paper ... ...der to assist in decreasing this problem, children need to be educated on what sexual abuse is and how to report it if it happens to them. A lot of children do not realize what is happening to them is wrong because they do not know any different. They may also be told by the perpetrator that what they are doing is perfectly normal. With the proper education children would know that nobody is supposed to touch them in a sexual way. More parents and caregivers need to be educated on the signs of a sexually abused child. If they are able to recognize these signs, they may be able to discover the abuse and put to an end. Many cases of sexual abuse go unreported due to shame, guilt, and not knowing that what is happening is wrong. However, with more education in schools and in homes these cases may be reported earlier before any significant abuse has happened.

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