Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse (also referred to as
molestation) is defined as the forcing of undesired sexual acts by one person to another. When sexual abuse is perpetrated upon a child, it is known as child sexual abuse.
Different types of sexual abuse involve:
- Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape or sexual assault
- Psychological forms of abuse, such as verbal sexual behavior or stalking.
- The use of a position of trust for sexual purposes.
- Incest, when it is coerced by force or emotional manipulation; the euphemism 'bad touch' is sometimes used to describe such abuse.
Signs of sexual abuse
- Unexplained injuries, especially to genitalia and breasts (in females)
- Torn or stained clothing or underwear
- Unexplained behavioral problems
- Sudden loss of interest in sexual activity
- Sudden increase of sexual behavior
Please note that these symptoms could be the result of a number of other things, and just because a person is exhibiting one or more of them it is not a definite sign that they have been sexually abused.
Spousal sexual abuse
Spousal abuse is the term applied to the specific form of
domestic violence, where
physical or sexual abuse is perpetrated by one spouse upon another. Frequently this involves forced sex (spousal rape) upon a spouse without their consent.
Sexual abuse of minors
Child sexual abuse refers to sexual abuse of a
child by an
adult, or some other person significantly older or in a position of power or control over the child, where the child is used for sexual stimulation of another person. Studies of the effects of child sexual abuse often define it as including invitations or requests in addition to actual actions, with regard to any
sexual interactions between adult and
child, from kissing or hugging to completed intercourse, and all other related activities.
Further reading
· Bass, Ellen and Laura Davis, 1988 (3rd ed. 1994). The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of
Chiild Sexual Abuse. Harper Collins Publishers
· Aba, C. (1992). Sexual Assaults on Students. London : Harper and Row.
· Billie Wright Dzeich and Linda Weiner, 1984 (2nd ed. 1990). The Lecherous Professor: Sexual
Harassment on Campus. Boston : Beacon Press.
· Cotheffe, James Gay Men and Childhood Sexual Trauma: Integrating the Shattered Self.
· Doris Van Stone, (1990). No Place to Cry: The Hurt and Healing of Sexual Abuse. Moody Publishers.
· Haines, Staci The Survivors Guide to Sex: How to Have an Empowered Sex Life after Child Sexual
Abuse.
· Haines, Staci Healing Sex (DVD) A diverse cast of men and women explore peace, healing and intimacy
post-abuse.
· Lew, Mike. Victim No Longer: Men Recovering from Incest and Other Sexual Child Abuse.
· Wishart, G.D. (2003) The Sexual Abuse of People with Learning Difficulties: Do We Need A Social Model
Approach To Vulnerability?, Journal of Adult Protection, Volume 5 (Issue 3)
External links
· Pandora's Aquarium A message board, chat room, and online support group for rape and sexual abuse
survivors
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is abuse involving contact intended to cause
pain,
injury, or other physical
suffering or
harm. Physical abuse, which is 19% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is the most visible form of abuse and may be defined as any act which results in a non-accidental trauma or physical injury. Inflicted physical injury most often represents unreasonable, severe corporal punishment or unjustifiable punishment. This usually happens when a frustrated or angry parent strikes, shakes or throws a child. Physical abuse injuries result from punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning or otherwise harming a child. While any of these injuries can occur accidentally when a child is at play, physical abuse should be suspected if the explanations do not fit the injury or if a pattern of frequency is apparent. The longer the abuse continues, the more serious the injuries to the child and the more difficult it is to eliminate the abusive behavior.
Basic forms include:
Physical Indicators of Abuse
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BRUISES
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BURNS
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LACERATIONS & ABRASIONS
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SKELETAL INJURIES
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HEAD INJURIES
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INTERNAL INJURIES
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On body posterior
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Immersion burns: doughnut-shaped on the buttocks
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On Lips, eyes, infants face
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Fractures of long bones from twisting and pulling
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Missing or loosened teeth
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Intestinal injuries from hitting or kicking
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Unusual patterns
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Cigarette burns: hands, feet
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On gum tissue, caused by forced feeding
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Separation of bone and shaft
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Absence of hair
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Rupture of heart-related blood vessels
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In clusters
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Rope burns from confinement
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On external genitals
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Detachment of tissue of bone and shaft
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Hemorrhaging beneath scalp from hair pulling
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Inflammation of abdominal area
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On infants
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Dry burns, caused by iron
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Spiral fractures
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Subdural/retinal hemorrhages from hitting or shaking
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Multiples in various stages of healing
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Stiff, swollen, enlarged joints
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Nasal or jaw fracture
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Further Reading
· Child Physical Abuse. Barnett, Miller-Perrin, & Perrin (2005)
In Family Violence Across the Lifespan: An Introduction
- An overview of risk factors, possible causes, consequences, treatment, and prevention.
· Child Physical Abuse. Kolko (2002, 2nd ed.)
In The APSAC Handbook on Child Maltreatment
- Definitions, incidence, risk factors, assessment, and treatment.
· Physical Abuse. Loiselle (2002, 3rd ed.)
In Recognition of Child Abuse for the Mandated Reporter
- Presents a framework for professionals to use in recognizing physical abuse.
· Physical Child Abuse. Olive (2006)
In Child Abuse and Stress Disorders
- Discusses the incidence, definition, causes, signs, and psychological effects of physical child abuse.
External Links
· '
Physical Abuse.' National Exchange Club Foundation. Accessed on 08 Jun 2007.
Emotional Abuse
What is emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse, which is 8% of all substantiated cases of child abuse, is commonly defined as the systematic tearing down of another human being. It is considered a pattern of behavior that can seriously interfere with a child's positive development. Emotional abuse is probably the least understood of all child abuse, yet it is the most prevalent, and can be the cruelest and most destructive of all types of abuse.
Because emotional abuse attacks the child's psyche and self-concept, the victim comes to see him or herself as unworthy of love and affection. Children who are constantly shamed, humiliated, terrorized or rejected suffer at least as much, if not more, than if they had been physically assaulted.
An infant who is being severely deprived of basic emotional nurturing, even though physically well cared for, can fail to thrive and can eventually die. Less severe forms of early emotional deprivation may produce babies who grow into anxious and insecure children who are slow to develop or who might have low self-esteem.
Types of Emotional Abuse:
1] Rejecting -- Parents who lack the ability to bond will often display rejecting behavior toward a child. They tell a child in a variety of ways that he or she is unwanted. They may also tell the child to leave, call him or her names and tell the child he or she is worthless. They may not talk to or hold the young child as he or she grows. The child may become the family scapegoat, being blamed for all the family's problems.
2] Ignoring -- Adults who have had few of their emotional needs met are often unable to respond to the needs of their children. They may not show attachment to the child or provide nurturance. They may show no interest in the child, express affection or even recognize the child's presence. Many times the parent is physically there but emotionally unavailable.
3] Terrorizing -- Parents may single out one child to criticize and punish. They may ridicule him or her for displaying normal emotions and have expectations far beyond his or her normal abilities. The child may be threatened with death, mutilation or abandonment.
4] Isolating -- A parent who abuses a child through isolation may not allow the child to engage in appropriate activities with his or her peers; may keep a baby in his or her room, not exposed to stimulation; or may prevent teenagers from participating in extracurricular activities. Parents may require the child to stay in his or her room from the time school lets out until the next morning, or restrict eating to isolation or seclusion.
5] Corrupting -- Parents permit children to use drugs or alcohol; to watch cruel behavior toward animals; to watch pornographic materials and adult sex acts; or to witness or participate in criminal activities such as stealing, assault, prostitution, gambling, etc.
What are the effects of emotional abuse?
Other types of abuse are usually identifiable because marks or other physical evidence is left, however, emotional abuse can be very hard to diagnose or even to define. In some instances, an emotionally abused child will show no signs of abuse. For this reason, emotional abuse is the most difficult form of child maltreatment to identify and stop. This type of abuse leaves hidden scars that manifest themselves in numerous ways. Insecurity, poor self-esteem, destructive behavior, angry acts (such as fire setting or cruelty to animals), withdrawal, poor development of basic skills, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide and difficulty forming relationships can all be possible results of emotional abuse.
Further Reading
· M.F.C.C. The Emotionally Abused Woman: Overcoming Destructive Patterns and Reclaiming Yourself.
Engle, Beverly. New York: Fawcett Columbine, 1922
· The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize It and How to respond.
Evans, Patricia. : Bob Adams, Inc., 1992.
· Child Psychological Maltreatment
Barnett, Miller-Perrin, & Perrin (2005, 2nd ed.)
In Family Violence Across the Lifespan: An Introduction
- Describes current knowledge involving risk factors, negative effects, and intervention strategies.
and self-image, and the lifelong consequences of emotional abuse.
· Emotional Abuse
Hall (2003)
In Protecting Children From Abuse and Neglect in Primary Care
- Provides a definition of emotional abuse and considers the nature of disturbed relationships.
· Emotional Abuse and Neglect (Psychological Maltreatment): A Conceptual Framework
Glaser
Child Abuse and Neglect, 26(6/7), 2002
- Explores the place of emotional abuse within the overall context of child abuse and neglect.
· The Emotionally Abused and Neglected Child: Identification, Assessment and Intervention: A Practice
Handbook
Iwaniec (2nd ed.) (2006)
- Includes the prevalence and characteristics of emotionally abused children and their caregivers,
schedules for comprehensive assessment, and levels of intervention and service provision in cases of
emotional abuse and neglect.
External Links
· '
Sexual Abuse.' National Exchange Club Foundation. Accessed on 08 Jun 2007 .
· '
Emotional Abuse.' National Exchange Club Foundation. Accessed on 08 Jun 2007 .
· '
Neglect.' National Exchange Club Foundation. Accessed on 08 Jun 2007 .