Trigger warning: This article may contain words that may trigger the readers and survivors of this trauma. Reader discretion is advised.
What is sexual abuse?
When a child or young person is sexually abused, they are forced or tricked into sexual activities. They might not understand that what is happening is abuse or wrong. Moreover, they might be afraid to tell someone. Sexual abuse can happen anywhere – and it can happen in person or online.
It is never a child's fault they were sexually abused – it is essential to ensure children know this.
Types of sexual abuse
There are two types of sexual abuse – contact and non-contact abuse. Moreover, sexual abuse can happen in person or online.
Contact abuse is where an abuser makes physical contact with a child.
This includes:
- sexual touching of any part of a child's body, whether they are clothed or not
- using a body part or object to rape or penetrate a child
- forcing a child to take part in sexual activities
- making a child undress or touch someone else.
Contact abuse can include touching, kissing, and oral sex – sexual abuse is not just penetrative.
Non-contact abuse is where a child is abused without being touched by the abuser. This can be in person or online and includes:
- exposing or flashing
- showing pornography
- exposing a child to sexual acts
- making them masturbate
- forcing a child to make, view or share child abuse images or videos
- making, viewing, or distributing child abuse images or videos
- forcing a child to participate in sexual activities or conversations online or through a smartphone.
Signs of sexual abuse
Knowing the signs of sexual abuse can help give a voice to children. Sometimes children will not understand that what is happening to them is wrong. Alternatively, they might be scared to speak out. Some of the signs you might notice include the following:
- emotional and behavioral signs
- physical signs
If a child is being or has been sexually abused online, they might:
- spend a lot more or a lot less time than usual •online, texting, gaming, or using social media
- seem distant, upset, or angry after using the internet or texting
- be secretive about whom they are talking to and what they are doing online or on their mobile phone
- have lots of new phone numbers, texts, or email addresses on their mobile phone, laptop, or tablet.
- Children and young people might also drop hints and clues about the abuse.
If a child reveals abuse
If a child talks to you about sexual abuse, it's essential to:
- listen carefully to what they are saying
- let them know they have done the right thing by telling you
- tell them it is not their fault
- say you will take them seriously
- do not confront the alleged abuser
- explain what you will do next
- report what the child has told you as soon as possible.
Effects of sexual abuse
Sexual abuse can have both short and long-term effects. The impact of sexual abuse can last a lifetime. Children, young people, and adults may live with the following:
- anxiety and depression
- eating disorders
- post-traumatic stress
- difficulty coping with stress
- self-harm
- suicidal thoughts and suicide
- sexually transmitted infections
- pregnancy
- feelings of shame and guilt
- drug and alcohol problems
- relationship problems with family, friends, and partners.
Reference:
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/child-sexual-abuse/