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Abuse
The Problem:
Sexual Abuse
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
General Behavior Manifestations of Abused Children
Myth&Fact;
- Child sexual abuse is any form of sexual activity or
contact between a child and an older person, male or female.
- 75-85% of children sexually abused are abused by someone they
know well and trust, often times, the person is in their family.
- Reports of molest are up 300% from 1983, according to Children's
Protective Services, Sacramento County.
- 1 out of 4 girls and 1 out of 7 boys will be sexually abused by
the age of 18.
Long Term Effects on Victims:
- Confusion about love and sex.
- Guilt, shame.
- Prostitution, promiscuity.
- Excessive and inappropriate fears.
- Mistrust.
- Depression.
- Cycle of victimization continues. Abused children often grow up to be abusers or part of another abusing family.
Facts about Juvenile Sexual Offenders:
- JSOs frequently experience serious conflict in their own family.
- JSOs frequently have learning difficulties which have not been
diagnosed or treated.
- JSOs frequently have trouble relating to children of their own
age. They instead relate to younger children, the same children
they may sexually molest.
- 80-90% of JSOs have been sexually molested by someone else prior
to committing a sexual offense.
- JSOs learn to be sexually abusive from being victimized physically,
emotionally and sexually, by others.
Prevention and Education:
- Increases awareness about the realities of child sexual abuse.
- Dispels myths like, "Most children are molested by strangers."
- Provides an opportunity for children and adults to learn about
the problem and specific prevention strategies.
- Teaches children non-abusive ways of resolving conflict.
- Teaches caring adults how to respond when sexual abuse happens.
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