PARENTING : Recognising child sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which an adult or older adolescent uses a child for sexual stimulation. It is among the many types of abuse. It is a complicated form of abuse because of its layers of guilt and shame on the victim. It’s important to recognize that sexual abuse doesn’t always involve body contact, but exposing a child to sexual situations or material which is sexually abusive, whether or not touching is involved. While news stories of sexual predators are scary, what is even more frightening is that it usually occurs at the hands of someone the child knows and should be able to trust; most often these are close relatives and friends! Have you ever wondered about the relationship that prevails between your house help and your own child? To what extent would you trust your house help? By giving them your child’s panties to wash; are you really grooming your daughter into a responsible being? Because most of us parents raise kids in an irresponsible way, they are bound to suffer the fate of our parenthood.And contrary to what many believe, it’s not just girls who are at risk. Boys too are prone to sexual abuse. In fact, sexual abuse among boys is under reported due to shame and stigma associated with. Besides the physical damage that sexual abuse causes, the emotional component is powerful and far-reaching. Sexually abused children are tormented by shame and guilt. They usually feel responsible for the abuse or think they brought it upon themselves. This can lead to self-hatred and sexual problems as they grow older, often resulting in either excessive confusion or an inability to have intimate relationships. The shame resulting from sexual abuse makes it very difficult for children to come forward. They worry that others won’t believe them or get angry at them. Other abused children think that they will split their family apart if they spoke out. Because of these difficulties, false accusations of sexual abuse are not common, so if a child confides in you, take him or her seriously. Don’t turn a blind eye. Some of the warning signs of sexual abuse in children include the following. • Having trouble walking or sitting• Displaying interest in sexual acts inappropriate to his or her age, or even seductive behavior• Making strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason • Some don’t want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities.• Showing signs of an STD or pregnancy, especially under the age of 14. • Some may not hesitate to run away from homes.All these signs of child sexual abuse are best arrested by parents who take a closer look at their children. A parent should remember that they are the most important person in their children’s world. Shebs10@yahoo.com