| |
|
|
The
instinctive response to Child Sexual Abuse is:
THIS
CAN'T HAPPEN TO ME OR TO ANYONE I LOVE.
IN
FACT CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE (CSA) CAN HAPPEN TO ANYONE, ANYWHERE.
OFTEN BY ADULTS KNOWN TO THE CHILD. IT IS A COMMON PHENOMENON.
BECAUSE:
- Children
are vulnerable.
- We
teach them to obey adults but we do not teach them to establish
boundaries.
|
|
- Children
trust older people, especially family, who in turn can exploit
them.
- We
do not give children the knowledge or language of their
body but instead a language of shame and silence. Adults
exploit this silence.
- Adult
sexuality in our world is far from healthy and responsible,
and CSA is the result.
Child
Sexual Abuse is the physical or mental violation of a child
with sexual intent, usually by an older person. It is a crime.
When sexual activity involves another child or an adolescent,
it is not always so clear. Some kinds of sexual behavior among
children might be innocent explorations rather than abuse.
Child
Sexual Abuse includes-
- Touching
a child's genitals (penis, testicles, vulva, breasts, or
anus) for sexual pleasure or other unnecessary reason.
- Making
a child touch someone else's genitals, or playing sexual
("pants-down") games.
- Putting
objects or body parts (like fingers, tongue or a penis)
inside the vagina, in the mouth, or in the anus of a child
for sexual pleasure or other unnecessary reason.
- Showing
pornography to a child.
- Exposing
a person's genitals to a child.
- Photographing
a child in sexual poses.
- Encouraging
a child to watch or hear sexual acts either in person or
on a video.
- Watching
a child undress or use the bathroom, often without the child's
knowledge (known as voyeurism or being a "Peeping Tom").
Remember
The
healing of a child who has suffered sexual abuse begins with
YOU - the parent. The adult abusing your child is ALWAYS TOTALLY
RESPONSIBLE. DO NOT BLAME THE CHILD FOR BEING ABUSED.
The
abuser violates the body, mind and innocence of a child.
Talking
about CSA is difficult. IFSHA can help you understand and
recognise it, help you go beyond the fear, secrecy, and shame.
Take a step towards healing
and prevention. If you have any questions on CSA prevention,
or the safety and healing of your child, a friend, or yourself,
write to us.
|
