Facts About Child Sexual Abuse

A Canadian study shows that 1 in 2 girls and 1 in 3 boys will experience unwanted sexual acts by age 18.

• Child abuse develops gradually over a period of time and generally will be repeated unless it is stopped. The forms of abuse become more serious as time goes on.
• Most often the perpetrators are not strangers: between 75% to 85% are known to the family. The offender is often a trusted parent, relative, friend of the family, babysitter or neighbour.
• The abuse most often occurs in the home of the child or the offender. Over time the offender will often sexually abuse more than one child. Boys may also be victimized.
• While many people believe that the abuse is physically violent, it is more often psychologically coercive. For the most part, the child is engaged by means of persuasion, bribes and threats, rather than by extreme physical force.

An adult who discovers sexual abuse of a child is required by law to report it to the Ministry of Children and Families.

Call 310-1234 (toll free in BC)
24 hour help line for child abuse or neglect.

Many victims experience:

shame,
guilt,
lowered self-esteem,
betrayal of trust,
fear of intimate relationships
a distorted view of sexuality.

• Most victims do not have physical injuries and this may be confusing.
  
  
• Although the child may not always be physically forced, responsibility always lies with the offending adult, not with the child.
  
  
• Sexual abuse is an exploitation of the need for affection. It exploits a child, developmentally incapable of understanding or resisting, often in a relationship of emotional dependence on the adult.
  
  
• While some "non-offending" parents may know and even support the offender's actions, many suspect that something is wrong but are unclear as to what is happening. The first reaction is usually shock and/or denial or blame the child.
  
  
• It is important to note that children rarely lie about sexual abuse. Younger children do not understand what it is, and older children are often too embarrassed or frightened to talk about the abuse, let alone make up false reports. Disclosure of any kind should be treated seriously.
  
  
• While some fear that talking to children about sexual abuse will only frighten them, children need information about personal safety. Information sensitively and honestly presented can assist children in resisting abuse. The key is that they know that there is someone to whom they can safely turn for help, who doesn't mind them asking questions that may feel uncomfortable.
  
  
• Without counselling, the abuse may cause lifelong psychological damage leading to depression, anger, sexual confusion, inability to hold a job, alcoholism, even suicide.

Adapted with permision from Abuse Bulletin #2. Voices for Non-Violence and MCC Canada Women's Concerns Committee.

RESOURCES:

One of the greatest gifts parents can give their children is to have open, honest and age appropriate conversations with children about their bodies and sexual development. This is a proven effective form of preventing child abuse.

Speaking of Sex, by Meg Hickling, is a very helpful resource for educating children, and adolescents (and adults). This book provides age appropriate answers to questions children often ask about their bodies and relationships. Hickling encourages parents to talk about their own values as guidelines for their children.

• Canada Kids Help Phone (Canada/Bilingue):
  24 hour help line which provides Canada wide resources for children ages 4 - 20
  
  1-800-668-6868
  
  
• Children's Help Line
  24 hour help line for child abuse or neglect (toll free in BC)
  
  310-1234