SEXUAL CHILD ABUSE

What is sexual child abuse?

 -  Sexual abuse is the third most frequently reported form of child mistreatment (10% of all cases). 

 -  Sexual abuse is that of a child involved in sexual activity for which consent cannot be given, is outside of the victim's developmental age, is unable to comprehend, and/or "violates the law or social taboos of society." Examples include fondling and any form of genital, anal, or oral-genital contact with a child that are unwarranted.

  - These acts may occur whether the child is clothed or unclothed. Non-touching child sexual abuse would include exhibitionism, voyeurism, and the involvement of a child in prostitution or pornography.

What causes child abuse deaths?

   -  Caused by accidents due to lack of supervision or abandonment or from the failure to seek medical attention for an injury, illness, or condition.

   -  Fatal injuries from mistreatment can and do result from many different acts. Children may die from severe head trauma (injury), shaken baby syndrome, trauma to the abdomen or chest, scalding, burns, drowning, suffocation, poisoning, starvation, etc

How is child abuse treated?

• The safety of the abused child and any other potential victim of abuse in the household is paramount. Removal of the victim and placement in protective custody in a group home or foster care is often necessary.
  
  
• Effective counseling for the child, family, and the abuser is essential to deal with the associated emotional and psychological stress and trauma.
  
  
• In the event of neglect, establishing realistic expectations of the child's needs and capabilities is required.
  
  
• Parental high-risk behaviors such as substance/alcohol abuse must be addressed.
  
  
• Law-enforcement evaluation is performed, followed by the filing of charges, court appearance, and (if found guilty) sentencing as indicated.
  
  
• Pedophiles (people who have sexually abused children) often require intense psychological and pharmacological therapy prior to release into the community because of the high rate of repeat offenders.

How can child abuse be prevented?

• A support-group structure is needed to reinforce parenting skills and closely monitor the child's well-being.
  
  
• Visiting home nurse or social-worker visits are also required to observe and evaluate the progress of the child and his/her caretaking situation.
  
  
• The support-group structure and visiting home nurse or social-worker visits are not mutually exclusive. Many studies have demonstrated that the two measures must be coupled together for the best possible outcome.
  
  
• Children's school programs regarding "good touch...bad touch" can provide children with a forum in which to role-play and learn to avoid potentially harmful scenarios.
  
  
• Parents should make sure that their child's daycare center is licensed and has an open-door policy regarding parental visitation.
  
  
• Public-awareness programs regarding child abuse and neglect can be informative.
  
  
• Developing free and anonymous support systems (for example, "hot lines") encourages the reporting of potential instances of child abuse.

What more can be done to prevent child neglect?

• proper use of car seats and seat belts;
  
  
• consistent use of helmets for bicycling, skateboarding, and skiing/snowboarding;
  
  
• pool and water safety;
  
  
• firearm safety;
  
  
• preventing community violence; and
  
  
• poisoning prevention.