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Lesson Two - Sexual

Sexual Abuse

A student has been having trouble all year. She has almost no friends and acts younger than appropriate most the time and has run away from home twice. The student is displaying sexual behavior toward other students and a knowledge of sexual matters which exceeds what is appropriate for her age. The parents are very concerned about behavior but seem overprotective. The student is defended as a "special child who has special needs." One parent acts distant and passive, commenting only to agree with the partner.

    Sexual abuse is a topic that people still have hard time talking about. Since most abuse occurs in the home, other forms of abuse like emotional (terrorizing) or physical abuse can be used to secure its silence. Once the abuse is made known to the proper authority, children may be re-victimized by the legal system as they tell their story over and over until any court proceedings are concluded. This is why it is important for mandated reporters to become familiar with the myths and the facts, and how to properly handle a sexual abuse case with a child. The next section will cover these topics and list physical and behavioral indicators a child may experience as a result of sexual abuse. 

Definitions of Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse is the exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult. It may include acts of rape, incest, fondling of the genitals and exhibitionism. Within the definition of sexual abuse falls sexual exploitation. Sexual exploitation means the use of a minor (under the age of 18) for sexual purposes by an older person, in any or all of three ways:

  1. child pornography
  2. child prostitution
  3. computer solicitation

Sexual abuse is NEVER the child's fault. The impact on the child depends primarily on the way the family responds to the situation. Sexual abuse of a child is illegal, even if the child consented to the sexual act. 

Facts About Sexual Abuse

Most child sexual abuse is committed by someone whom the child knows. The offender is usually a family member, babysitter, trusted friend, acquaintance, or person who regularly comes in contact with the child. 

 

There is no such thing as a "typical" sexual perpetrator of children. They come from all social, racial, and economic backgrounds. Although the majority of abusers are males, there are also female perpetrators. 

Children are vulnerable to sexual assault from infancy through early adulthood.  Children make easy targets because:

Physical and Behavioral Indicators

The following is a chart of the physical and behavioral indicators that can occur with Sexual Abuse. 

Physical Indicators Behavioral Indicators  
Torn, stained or bloody underclothing   Withdrawn or chronically depressed  
Pain or itching in the genital area   Excessive seductiveness
Difficulty walking or sitting Role Reversal (overly concerned for siblings)
Bruises of bleeding in the external genitalia Poor self-esteem (lack of confidence, devalues self-worth)
Sexually transmitted disease Problems with peers; resists involvement with peers
Frequent urinary or yeast infections Sudden massive weight loss or gain
  Suicide attempts
  Hysteria; lack of emotional control
  Sudden school difficulties
  Threatened by physical contact or closeness
 

Inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex for age

  Promiscuity

        Again, it is important to point out that just because one of these indicators is observed, it does not mean that the child is being sexually abused. But if one or more indicators are observed, as a mandated reporter, you should become suspicious and look more closely at the child and his or her situation. By becoming active in a child's life, you may be the one person who can put a stop to the abuse and get help for the child and the family.

Source: Michigan Child Protection Law {722.622 sec.2 [e & o]}

Things to Consider: Do's and Don'ts Regarding Disclosure 

What do I do when a child discloses sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse of a child is a crime and often the only initital evidence of the abuse is the “word” of the child victim. It is very important that mandated reporters understand that they must NOT attempt to investigate or validate the child’s statement. It is very important to the investigative process that the child not be interviewed multiple times regarding his or her disclosure by professionals who are not trained in forensic interviewing. Thus, once a child has told you of abuse, your action should be to call FIA’s Child Protective Services or the Police immediately. It should NOT be to create situations where the child must re-tell what he or she has shared with you. Below are some basic “do’s” and “don'ts” regarding your conduct during a child’s disclosure:

Don't Do
Don't try to interview or investigate. Believe the child.
Don't express fear, anger, or anxiety or overreact. Allow the child to use his or her own words to describe the incident.
Don't let your personal feelings influence the child. Assure the child: 
  • that it is all right to tell you.
  • that it is good to tell about what happened.
  • that his or her behavior was courageous.
Once a child has told you, don't initiate future conversations about the incident. Allow the child to talk about the incident ONLY if he or she brings it up.
Don't use your language to help the child describe what happened.  

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