Topic 1: Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect—Definitions and Indicators
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a complex type of abuse with significant implications for the child victim. Often there are no physical signs, and behavioral indicators can be subtle or attributed to other things.
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Legal Definition
Sexual abuse is defined as any illegal sexual act upon a child. This includes:
- Incest
- Rape
- Indecent exposure
- Fondling
- Child prostitution
- Child pornography
Operational Definition
Sexual abuse, covered by both civil and criminal code, comprises a range of inappropriate sexual behaviors a caregiver may perpetrate on a child, including:
- Non-touching offenses, such as indecent exposure and exposing a child to pornography
- Touching offenses, such as fondling and inanimate-object penetration
- Sexual exploitation, such as prostituting a child or using a child in pornography
- Sexual intercourse, which includes rape, incest, and sodomy
Sexual abuse may interfere with a child’s normal physical, psychological, and cognitive development.
Physical Indicators
Most physical indicators of child sexual abuse would be found on physical exam by a medical practitioner. Other professionals rely more upon behavioral, emotional, and cognitive/academic indicators in determining whether to suspect sexual abuse.
Behavioral Indicators
The range of behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse include:
- Expressions of age-inappropriate knowledge of sex and sexually “pseudo-mature” behaviors
- Sexually explicit drawings
- Highly sexualized play
- Expressions of unexplained fear of a person or place
- Avoiding or attempting to avoid a familiar adult
- Signs of posttraumatic stress disorder
- Nightmares
- Sleep interruptions
- Withdrawal
- A child’s statement
One of the strongest indicators of sexual abuse is a child’s report. When a child says that he or she has been sexually abused, take the statement seriously. Resolve doubt in favor of the child, and err on the side of protection.
Emotional Indicators
Sexual abuse is often a devastating breach of trust for a child. Furthermore, the adult usually tries to manipulate the child into collusion or silence (“this is our little secret”) with real or implied threats. This manipulation is far beyond the child’s ability to understand. Not surprisingly, the child may experience a range of emotional responses, including:
- Self-image problems
- Low self-confidence
- Guilt (“my fault”)
- Shame
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood swings
Cognitive/Developmental/Academic Indicators
Because of the emotional maelstrom that is often inside sexually abused children, they may show:
- Difficulty learning
- Interrupted concentration
- Academic deterioration
Discussion and Issues
Sexual Activity Between Children
If children are sexually active with each other, should I report this to Child Protective Services? Point to this link to read what the experts say.
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In determining whether sexual activity between children can be considered sexual abuse, Child Protective Services considers:
- Whether the activity was an expression of normal sexual curiosity that is developmentally appropriate
- The age difference between the children
- Whether force or violence was used
- The nature and frequency of the sexual activity
- The existence of a power differential or knowledge differential
- The gratification differential between child perpetrator and victim
Children who perpetrate sexual assault against other children or who engage in repetitive sexually exploitive behaviors, use violence, or demonstrate other anti-social behaviors may themselves be victims. They should be evaluated for intervention services that are appropriate for the situation. Child Protective Services may be able to help identify resources within the community for the child and his or her family.
Scenarios
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Read the following scenarios and identify the indicators that make you suspicious. Point to the gray box to compare the indicators you identified with those we identified.
Scenario #1
Sue has always had very low confidence and anxiety in social situations. She was getting good grades in the beginning of the year, but towards the end of the year her work deteriorated dramatically. When you ask her about it, she says that her mother and father are getting divorced, and her mother has a new boyfriend who she doesn’t like. When you press her, she says Jerry is “boring and stupid,” and she misses her dad.
Point Here for Analysis of Indicators
Scenario #2
You have known Adam and his parents for years. Adam is a troublemaker, and has been known to lie. His father is a friend of yours, is active in the community, and has a wonderful reputation. One day, Adam comes to you in tears and tells you his father has been making him pose for photographs in the nude. You think he is probably lying.
Point Here for Analysis of Indicators
Scenario #3
James is in your first grade classroom. Two of your students have complained to you that James showed them his “privates” and tried to pull down their pants when they refused to show him their “privates.”
Point Here for Analysis of Indicators
