Child Sexual Abuse, also commonly known as Child Sexual Molestation, can be defined as an adult or older adolescent using a child for sexual stimulation. There are many forms of Child Sexual Abuse, as well as many contributing factors that make the circumstances of every case unique. Forms of child sexual abuse include:
-Asking or pressuring a child to engage in sexual activities
-Indecent exposure to a child with the intent of satisfying personal sexual desires
-The satisfaction of intimidating the child
-Physical sexual contact with a child
-Using a child to produce child pornography
The effects of child sex abuse cases can be devastating for a child and their family to endure, and they may be long term or short term depending on a variety of factors. Such effects may include:
-Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
-Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
-Further victimization during adulthood
-Physical injury to the child
Most offenders of Child Sexual Abuse are previously acquainted with their victims. Most often they prey upon children whom they have already established some form of relationship with. In the majority of cases, the offender is some form of ‘friend’ of the family, such as a babysitter or a neighbor. Other cases of child sexual abuse involve family members, which is regarded as a form of incest. These individuals may include brothers, fathers, uncles, or cousins. Cases of incest usually result in much more serious and long-term psychological problems for the victim. The majority of offenders who sexually abuse prepubescent children are registered as pedophiles; however, there are cases where the offender does not meet the clinical criteria for such a diagnosis.
“Child Sexual Abuse,” is an umbrella term in regards to the law. This term explains and describes criminal and civil offenses in which an adult engages in sexual activity with a minor, or exploits that young individual with the intention of achieving their own sexual gratification, or to stimulate their personal need for power, control, or anger issues.