Escape Now

CHILDREN AND SEXUAL ASSAULT

Child sexual abuse is sexual contact between a child and adult or older child for the sexual gratification of the offender.

Physical contact such as handling of the child's or the offender's genitals or breasts, oral sex, or attempted or actual penetration of the child's vagina or rectum is sexual abuse.

Nonphysical contact such as forcing a child to look at the offender's genitals, talking to a child in a sexually explicit manner, peeping at a child in the bath or while he or she is undressing, and exposure to pornography or prostitution are types of sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse is always forced, even though the force may be subtle rather than being an obvious physical attack. Force can be psychological: bribery, taking advantage of a child's dependence and lack of knowledge, threatening him or her with withdrawal of love, and threatening that he or she will be blamed or that his or her family will be hurt. Force is always involved in sexual abuse because children clearly lack the power and authority of adults.

Child sexual abuse is staggeringly common. 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused by age 18.