Child sexual abuse includes a wide range of behaviors and situations. It is not confined to just hands on offences. Child sexual abuse may include:
- non-contact sexual offences, such as voyeurism or exposing a child to pornography
- Contact offences such as touching or sex
- one- time occurrences to multiple experiences; one offender to multiple offenders
- the use of violence
- the use of technology
Sexual abuse is a misuse of power and control and is ALWAYS a betrayal of TRUST
- according to research, 1 in 10 Canadians reported being sexually victimized before they turned 16
- the majority of adult survivors of child sexual abuse report that they did not disclose the abuse to anyone when they were children
- 93% of child maltreatment cases are never brought forward to police or child welfare
- there are strong connections between child abuse and mental health conditions
- in the majority of child sexual abuse cases, the offender was known to the child
How does child sexual abuse happen? One word sums it up: manipulation. Offenders’ manipulations are wide ranging, and can include offering up appealing items such as bribes, gifts, games, etc. But generally involve moving children into vulnerable positions and finding legitimate ways of spending time with them alone.
manipulation is also about building and developing an emotional connection, making the child feel special, and then using that trust to exploit and control the child. Survivors often say that this betrayal of trust was the most devastating part of the abuse. This is also sometimes called grooming.
The most common response to child sexual abuse is silence. Children often avoid telling someone about sexual abuse because they are confused about what has happened and are afraid they won’t be believed or worry about what a disclosure may do to their family.
Disclosure is a process and can come out in many different ways. Some blurt it out, while others may let out small bits of information at a time to gauge reaction.
Supporting a child through disclosure; while a disclosure or uncovering of a child’s sexual abuse is distressing, support from a caregiver(s) is key to their recovery. Children who feel supported, nurtured, and safe when disclosing abuse have the most successful recovery and future adjustments.
If your child has experienced child sexual abuse we offer tailored resources in the survivor and family support section