Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse includes a wide range of sexual behaviours that take place between a
child and an older or more powerful person.
The working definitions of child sexual abuse provided by Dolan, 1991 and Courtois, 1988 are quoted as follows:
Any form of coerced sexual interaction between an individual and a person in a position
of power over that individual (Dolan, 1991)
The inability of a child to give informed consent to sexual involvement due to the authority of
the adult, the child's dependent and less powerful status, and the age difference between them
(Courtois, 1988)
Behaviors that are sexually abusive often involve bodily contact. However, behaviors may be sexually abusive
even if they don't involve contact, for example in case of verbal pressure for sex, and sexual exploitation
for purposes of prostitution or pornography.
Some symptoms exhibited by sexually abused child (Whealin, J 2003):
Some children may show symptoms of (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) PTSD, including agitated behavior, frightening dreams, and repetitive
play in which aspects of the abuse are expressed.
Because of their sexual abuse, children may show sexual behavior or seductiveness that is inappropriate
for their age.
As a result of abuse, children, especially boys, tend to "act out" with behavior problems, such as
cruelty to others and running away.
Other children "act in" by becoming depressed or by withdrawing from friends or family.
Sometimes children may try to injure themselves or attempt suicide.
Some possible long-term effects of child sexual abuse:
If child sexual abuse is not effectively treated, long-term symptoms may persist into adulthood.
These may include:
PTSD and/or anxiety
Depression and thoughts of suicide
Sexual anxiety and disorders
Poor body image and low self-esteem
The use of unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol abuse, drug abuse, self-mutilation, or bingeing
and purging, to help mask painful emotions related to the abuse
If you were abused as a child and suffer from any of these symptoms, it may help you to get help from a
mental-health professional who has expertise in working with people who have been sexually abused.
General notes for parents and guidances if they suspect abuse:
If a child says she or he has been abused, try to remain calm.
Reassure the child that what has happened is not his or her fault.
Seek a medical examination and psychological consultation immediately.
Know that children can recover from sexual abuse, particularly if they have the support of a caring,
available parent.
Get help yourself. It is often very painful to acknowledge that your child has been sexually exploited.
Parents can harm children further if they inappropriately minimize the abuse or if they harbor irrational
fears related to the abuse. Therapy can help caretakers deal with their own feelings about the abuse so
that they are able to provide support to their children.
Information provided in this page are adopted from the link below, for
details please click here.
Last Updated:Jan 2004
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