Sexual Abuse

Imagine a childhood disease that affects one in five girls and one in seven boys before they reach 18; a disease that can cause dramatic mood swings, erratic behavior, and even severe conduct disorders among those exposed; a disease that breeds distrust of adults and undermines the possibility of experiencing normal sexual relationships; a disease that can have profound implications for an individual’s future healthy by increasing the risk of problems such as substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and suicidal behavior; a disease that replicates itself by causing some of its victims to expose future generations to its debilitating effects.

Imagine what we, as a society, would do if such a disease existed.  Such a disease does exist—it’s called child sexual abuse. 

--James Mercy

Definition of Child Sexual Abuse:

• Unwanted sexual contact or penetration with genitals, fingers, or objects, which may include touching, fondling, or grabbing private parts, perpetrated on a marital partner, dating partners, acquaintances or strangers.
• The victim (adult or child) is forced, coerced, and /or manipulated to participate in unwanted sexual activity.
• The victim is unable to give consent due to age, mental or physical incapacity, which includes being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, being asleep, or being extremely frightened.

Some facts about Child Sexual Abuse:

• Only 12 percent of child sexual abuse is ever reported

• 500,000 children are sexually abused every year

Signs of Child Sexual Abuse:

• Under Construction.

Long-term effects of Child Sexual Abuse:

• Chronic pain and illness

• Eating, dissociative and psychiatric disorders

• Self-mutilation

• Suicidal ideation/behaviors

• Distress in intimate relationships

• Interference with learning and school readiness

• Alcohol/drug abuse

• Harmful sexual behaviors

• Sexual victimization

• Increased risk of incarceration

• Increased likelihood of poverty

How to talk to you child about their bodies:

• Please click here for an example of a body conversation.

What to do if you suspect Child Sexual Abuse:

• Under Construction.