Sexual abuse of a child is a form of family violence and child maltreatment. A child may be defined as a person under 18 years of age. Each state may have different legal views of sexual child abuse. Sexual abuse happens when someone has sexual contact with a child or includes him in any sexual activity. This may involve kissing, displaying genitals, fondling, showing sexual materials, or using force to have sex. Sexual exploitation, which includes child prostitution and pornography, may also be considered sexual abuse. Child prostitution uses a child for sexual activities in return for money, property, or anything of value. Taking pictures, videotaping, or filming a naked child to make pornographic materials are considered child pornography.
Sexual abuse and exploitation occurs when a person harms a child, or places him in danger. The person whom the child depends on or trusts may unknowingly or knowingly be an abuser. Parents, guardians, foster parents, relatives, or a carer of a child may be responsible for sexual abuse. A carer is someone who is paid or not paid for caring for a child victim. Sexual abuse may happen in the home of a child or the abuser. It may also happen at other locations. Sexual abuse and exploitation may lead to physical, emotional, and mental pain, serious injury, disability, and even death. When sexual abuse of a child is reported and diagnosed, caregivers can help children who are at risk for, or who are victims of child abuse.
What causes sexual abuse of a child? The exact cause of sexual abuse of a child is not known. There are many things that may cause someone to abuse a child. Poor, violent, or crowded living conditions may be one of the reasons why it occurs. The following are other possible causes and conditions that may increase a child's risk of sexual abuse:
Risks related to the abuser:
Being a single or a teen-age parent.
Drinks alcohol or uses illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.
Has a history of family violence, such as physical, sexual, or other abuse.
Has a personality disorder, depression, or another mental illness.
Has stress due to work, taking care of the child, or financial problems.
Lacks knowledge about the normal development of a child.
Risks related to the child:
Age six years and younger.
Has learning or memory problems.
Has long-term conditions or special needs.
Has no relatives or friends who can take care of him.
Shows aggressive or disruptive behavior.
What are the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse of a child? Your child may act strange or differently, have changes in behavior or moods, or trouble sleeping. He may be depressed, fearful, or have sexual behaviors that are not right for his age. A sexually abused child may also be physically abused. Your child may also have any of the following:
Infections:
Urinary tract infection: Signs include pain with passing urine, or having to go to the bathroom often, or right away.
Sexually transmitted diseases: These can include gonorrhea, Chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, syphilis, trichomoniasis, hepatitis B, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Injuries:
Abrasions (scratches), or bite marks. There may be marks from objects used for restraining, such as belts, ropes, or electrical cords.
Contusions (bruises), especially on both upper arms (grab marks).
Lacerations (cuts) or scars in the genital area.
Problems with moving his bowels.
Genital signs:
Irregular, flesh-colored or purple growths on the genital area.
Pain or itchiness in the genital area.
Sores or small blisters in the genital area.
Unexplained blood or discharge coming from the child's genital area. Stains may also be found in his clothing.
Pregnancy: Girls may have signs of being pregnant, such as a stomach that is getting larger.
How is sexual abuse of a child diagnosed? A caregiver will take a detailed health history from you, your child, or other family members or carers. This may include information on the kind of sexual abuse your child may have had. He may be asked if he has been touched, kissed, forced to have sex, or photographed naked. Caregivers may also want to know who the abuser is, and how long the abuse has been happening. Your child's body may need to be examined or photographed to learn more about his sexual abuse. He may also need any of the following tests:
Blood and urine tests: Samples of blood and urine from your child may be sent to a lab for tests.
Colposcopy: This procedure uses a colposcope to examine your child's vagina and cervix. A colposcope is a metal tube with a light and tiny video camera on the end.
Culture and smear exam: A sample of discharge may be collected from an area, such as the eyes or genitals, and taken to a lab for tests.
Forensic tests: Hair strands and samples of stains or discharge from the skin, clothing, a blanket, or the scene of the abuse may be examined.
Pelvic exam: Girls may need to have an internal or vaginal exam. The exam will give caregivers information about any injuries that may have resulted from the abuse.
How is sexual abuse of a child treated? A child who has been sexually abused may be admitted to a hospital or placed in a foster home. Special services may be offered to ensure the child's safety and health. Treatment may also include any of the following:
For the abused child:
Counseling: Caregivers may talk to you, your child, or other family members, friends, or the abuser about sexual abuse. Caregivers may explain the problems that can occur if the child abuse is not noticed or stopped.
Medicines: Caregivers may give your child medicine to help ease his pain. He may need antibiotic medicine or a tetanus shot if there is an open wound. Medicines may also be given if he has other medical conditions.
For the abuser:
Criminal prosecution: Abusers may be arrested and punished.
Medicines: Medicines may be given to treat depression and alcohol or substance abuse.
Psychotherapy: This is a type of counseling that is usually done in a series of meetings or talks. These meetings can help people understand why sexual abuse happens, and learn about problems that an abuser might have.
Rehabilitation: An abuser may need to be put in an alcohol or substance abuse rehabilitation program. These programs may help him learn how to control or stop his drinking or drug problem.
Where can I find support and more information? Reporting sexual abuse may be hard to do, but it is very important. By reporting sexual abuse, your child will get the help that he needs to stop the abuse from happening or continuing. Talk to your child and help him discuss his feelings. Your child's caregiver can help you, or other family members and friends better understand how to support the victim. You, your child, and other family members may also want to join a support group. This is a group of children and their families who may have also been sexually abused or exploited. Contact the following for more information:
American Academy of Family Physicians 11400 Tomahawk Creek Parkway Leawood, KS 66211-2680 Phone: 1-913-906-6000 Phone: 1-800-274-2237 Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat your child.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
