CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE.   Term Paper ID:30104 Click to get this paper

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Paper Abstract: Defines the abuse. Effects on the victims of child sexual abuse by; short-term and long term. Complexity of psychological issues involved. Negative effect on adult survivors. Issues of trauma, trust, fears. Their symptoms & high risk behavior. Prevention of child sexual abuse & various approaches. Role that educators can play. Importance of therapy. Paper Introduction: Introduction Child sexual abuse refers to any sexual act or sexual contact between a child and an adult, or an older child. Apart from actual contact with the child, the exposure of the adult’s genitalia and pornographic materials to the child and the use of the child in pornographic materials can also be considered child sexual abuse. In the U.S., approximately 150,000 to 200,000 new cases of sexual abuse are reported each year, although the actual number of cases is difficult to ascertain. In addition to young female victims, boys and male adolescents are also usual targets for sexual victimization (“Protecting Our Children,” 1998, p. 1888). The current estimates of child sexual abuse are approximately 25 percent among females, and ten percent among males (Lanning, Ballard, & Robinson, 1999, p. 3). Among boys, Text of the Paper: The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper. Schools have also implemented prevention program in the form oftraining for the staff and vivid presentations for students. Forexample, Cheasty, Clare and Collins (1998) have established a strongrelationship between a history of child sexual abuse and adult depression.Among the 237 participants, 49 (37 percent) depressed women and 24 (23percent) non-depressed women reported instances of sexual abuse duringtheir childhood. 648).Prevention In order to prevent child sexual abuse, children need to be giveninformation about sexual abuse. Most of them are depressed and feel guiltyabout their abuse. After six monthsof weekly therapy sessions, the levels of depression of both groupsdecreased equally. Pediatrics, 1 1, 62 -625.Hall, G.C. Sexual offender recidivism revisited: A meta-analysis of recent treatment studies. They also have low self-esteem. Child sexual abuse: Sensory recall... For this study,18 women were randomly divided into the two groups. Researchers have also validated the fact that a history of child andadolescent sexual abuse can often lead to high-risk behaviors such as earlyand unprotected sexual intercourse, unplanned pregnancy, involvement in adomestically abusive relationships, along with alcohol and drug abuse(Boyar & Fine, 1992; Nagy, Diclemente, & Adcock, 1995). Society, 37(4), 18-24. Children were also taught to go seek help from a "safe" person,often identified as the school counselor or teachers. Most importantly, it is important for professionals who work withadult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to understand that the trauma ofthe latter's experience has left them disempowered and estranged fromothers. Physical Therapy, 79(3), 248-276.Spiegel, D. Furthermore,parents and caregivers should let the children know that they are allowedto say "no" to adults who are touching them inappropriately and reportthese incidents to them. Besides increasing the awarenessof children to sexual abuse, institutions also realize that adults in thecommunity should also learn how to prevent child sexual abuse. 18). However, the trauma-focused group experienced a greaterdecline in dissociation symptoms, while the present-focused group had agreater decrease in anxiety. Apart from providingtreatment programs for offenders, public agencies have also providedinformation to the rest of the community in order to increase awareness ofthis issue. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 285(9), 1147.Fiscella, K., Kitzman, H.J., Cole, R.E., Sidora, K.J., & Olds, D. 2 -1). Essentially, the recovery process ofthe victims entails a collaborative effort between several groups ofindividuals including medical personnel, social workers, educators andparents (Lanning et al., 1999, p. Finally, they are likely to regress in other areasof their lives such as their academic and social performance at school("Protecting Our Children," 1998, p. Thus, they experience tremendous guilt because theyfeel that their negative experiences stem from their own behavior. Furthermore, children often hide their sexual abuse because theirabusers threaten them ("Protecting Our Children," 1998, p. In addition to youngfemale victims, boys and male adolescents are also usual targets for sexualvictimization ("Protecting Our Children," 1998, p. Organizations such as theChild Sexual Abuse Prevention Programs (CSAPs) have been established toprevent child sexual abuse, detect early signs of abuse and minimize theadverse effects of child sexual abuse. Ultimately, theobjective of these campaigns is to highlight the seriousness of the issueof child sexual abuse and to bring organizations and institutions togetherin an effort to eradicate child sexual abuse. However, it is important to note that all the women whohad experienced severe sexual abuse suffered from depression. Prevention of child sexual abuse victimization: A meta-analysis of school programs. The experiences of child sexual abuse can exert severe short-term and long-term effects on the victims' physical, mental and emotionalhealth and development (Inderbitzen-Pisaruk, Shawchuck, & Hoier, T.S.,1992). 4). Furthermore, thesexual abuse also inhibited their ability to interact with intimatepartners and forge trusting relationships (pp. Presenters also used puppets in programstargeted towards young children. Relation between sexual abuse in childhood and adult depression: Case-control study. In Vermont, public health agencies have launched the STOP IT NOW!campaign with three approaches: 1) A media campaign to increase the Vermontresidents' awareness of abuse and the symptoms of abuse; 2) An outreachprogram that focuses on high-risk families and offers a helpline for adultswho have questions about sexual abuse or treatment and need informationabout agencies involved in helping such families; and 3) A collaborativepartnership between Vermont's political and community leaders in order toformulate concerted strategies for preventing child sexual abuse. Therefore, based on this study, it is possiblethat both therapeutic approaches should be integrated in helping adultsurvivors of sexual abuse (in Bower, 1994, p. Because of their past trauma, these women feltextremely insecure about the safety of their children. Science News, 145(23), 365.Boyar, D., & Fine, D. (1997). She loses her connection to her body when it is beingusurped by another human being. Because children spend a lot of their time in schools, educators suchas teachers and counselors can also play a significant role in implementingchild sexual abuse prevention programs. In their study of child abuseprevention programs in Texas Public Elementary Schools, Lanning and others(1999) identified the characteristics of these programs-their strengths andweaknesses. In a pilot study that compares the effectiveness of the"trauma-focused" and "present-focused" group therapy for adult survivors ofchildhood sexual abuse, David Spiegel of Stanford University found thatboth approaches helped the participants in different ways. 16).Recovery and Healing According to many research studies, the early discovery of childsexual abuse can be critical in the recovery and healing process for thechildren and their development into adulthood. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 28 (7), 648.(2 1, March 7). In a recent studyon the relationship between child sexual abuse and adolescent pregnancy,Fiscella, Kitzman, Cole, Sidora and Olds (1998) reported that sexual abuseduring childhood was related to early adolescent sexual activity andpregnancy. 365). When a child is sexuallyabused, she becomes disempowered because she is no longer allowed to asserther needs and wants. In their investigations, researchers found thatpregnant women who experienced sexual abuse during their children were moresuicidal than nonabused parents. While the trauma-focused group used self-hypnosis and group discussion to draw out traumaticmemories and address emotions that were derived from the past abuse, thepresent-focused group placed their emphasis on the participants' currentdifficulties in coping with their lives and relationships. Adverse factors associated with forced sex among Southern adolescent girls. 1147). campaign can help both victims and abusers gainaccess to victim and abuser treatment organizations. and treating survivors. In their experiences with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse,clinicians believe that psychotherapy that addresses the clients' traumaticpast (trauma-focused) and their current feelings of low self-esteem andhelplessness (present-focused) can be an effective instrument in thehealing process. Inaddition, the violation of her boundaries undermines her development as anindependent being with her own unique identity. Their negative experience with thesetrusted people can severely destroy the child's trust in others (Schachter,Stalker, & Teram, p. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 21(1), 14-19.Nagy, S., DiClemente, R., & Adcock, A.G. In order for the adult survivors to heal from their scars, theyhave to be empowered in their relationships with others. Children who are unable to seekassistance from trusted adults often carry their wounds into adulthood.Typically, adult survivors of child sexual abuse experience a variety ofsymptoms that undermine their capacity to function normally and enjoyintimate relationships. (1994, June 4). However, the followingcriteria can be used to ascertain the effectiveness of the programs in thefuture: 1) Testing the knowledge and skills of the targeted audience withregards to prevention of child sexual abuse; 2) Documenting the number ofreported cases of past or current sexual abuse; and 3) Helping victimsreduce self-blame (Lanning et al., 1999, p. The participants in the study revealed their fears of beinginadequate mothers. Furthermore,the sexually abused women also reported difficulties in obtaining housing,problems with their children at school and sexual problems. It is important to note that some programswere also designed for teachers, school counselors, parents, administratorsand the rest of the community in order to raise their awareness of theproblem of child sexual abuse (pp. Family Planning Perspective, 24, 4-19.Cheasty, M., Clare, A.W., & Collins, C. 9-13). Thus, the child copes with the negativeexperiences by dissociating herself from her physical experience. Most of the outside agencies areChild Protective Services, the Mental Health Association, law enforcementpersonnel and even parents. 22-23). Because of theirtraumatic upbringing in which they are sexually abused by their parents orpeople whom they are supposed to trust, many of these victims are unable toenjoy normal intimate relationships (Spiegel, 2 , p. Adult childsexual abusers will know that they can change their behavior by seekingtreatment in the public health agencies. The presence of these negative effects of child sexual adult abuse onadults has been investigated and confirmed in research studies. 252). Apart from the personal steps that can be undertaken by parents,caregivers and teachers, various institutions have also embarked oncampaigns to prevent child sexual abuse. They alsoexperience physical pain that is a somatic reflection of their anxiety. However, when she issexually abused and her boundaries are violated, the child no longerunderstands the concept of boundaries and loses the ability to assert heridentity. Furthermore, they were also encouraged to beassertive in stating their opposition to sexual abuse by adults or otherchildren. These individuals are supposed to care for them andprotect them from sexual predators. Does child abuse predict adolescent pregnancy? In the cases of early detection, young children and adolescents needto undergo psychotherapy in order to help them cope with their trauma andemotions. 1995). Their suppressed feelings about their abuse often manifest in avariety of negative symptoms. Essentially, the victims need to feel that they are protected andcared for in a positive and safe environment before they can regain theirsense of trust in their lives (Schachter, Stalker, & Teram, 1999, p. (1995). Essentially, thechildren acquired communication and self-empowerment skills in order toprepare them for dealing with their potential abusers. (1998, August 19). (1998, January 17). Most of the programs surveyed taught thechildren how to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate touchbetween an adult and child. In the U.S., approximately 15 , to2 , new cases of sexual abuse are reported each year, although theactual number of cases is difficult to ascertain. At theirdevelopmental level, children often believe that they are responsible forthe events that occur. Protecting our children: Sexual abuse of children is common, and too often undetected. 1888). In addition, these children also develop heightened fears of aparticular individual (possibly their abuser) or places. Behavioral characteristics of child victims of sexual abuse: A comparison study. (1995). 1888). The currentestimates of child sexual abuse are approximately 25 percent among females,and ten percent among males (Lanning, Ballard, & Robinson, 1999, p. Certainly, parents or guardians need to besensitive to the needs of their children when the latter is trying to tellthem about sexual abuse because it is difficult for anyone to talk aboutpainful experiences. Many of these sexually abusedchildren carry the trauma of these experiences into adulthood. The schools often relied on outside agencies to train theirstaff, specifically the school counselors, in the implementation of thechild sexual abuse prevention programs. Thus,psychotherapists and physical therapists (who work on the physical pain oftheir clients) have to accommodate the needs and vulnerability of theirclients and help them address their discomfort and attitudes. (1999, March). 1888). (1998, April). Furthermore, they are likely to engage in self-destructive or at-risk behavior in their desperate bid to numb and suppresstheir hidden pain. Certainly, thepublic condemnation of child sexual abuse has created an encouragingenvironment for victims or adult survivors of child sexual abuse to reachout to public health agencies and other treatment providers for assistancein order to overcome their traumatic experiences. 622-3). Apart from actual contact with thechild, the exposure of the adult's genitalia and pornographic materials tothe child and the use of the child in pornographic materials can also beconsidered child sexual abuse. Inorder to cope with their emotional pain, victims often engage in negativebehavior such as substance abuse, addiction, self-mutilation, suicidaltendencies and eating disorders (Schachter, Stalker, & Teram, 1999, p.254). They also show an excessiveinterest in sexual acts and words and even attempt to force other childrento perform sexual acts. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 28 (21), 1888.Rispens, J., Aleman, A., & Goudena, P.P. Introduction Child sexual abuse refers to any sexual act or sexual contact betweena child and an adult, or an older child. (1992). Furthermore, theyneed to develop new healthy and positive relationships. Furthermore, adolescent parents who weresexually abused tended to give birth to less mature, lower-birth-weightinfants than nonabused mothers because maternal stress and depression.Therefore, adolescent mothers who are identified as victims of child sexualabuse need to be given early social support in order to help them throughtheir pregnancy (Elders & Albert, 1998, p. 3).Among boys, the ones who are most vulnerable to sexual abuse are below theage of 13 years old and come from single-mother, nonwhite and impoverishedfamily backgrounds ("Protecting Our Children," 1998, p. Adolescent pregnancy and sexual abuse. The overall growth of sexually abused children is essentiallyundermined because their "body, boundaries and trust" are violated(Schachter, Stalker, & Teram, 1999, p. Suffer the children: Long-term effects of sexual abuse. The effectiveness ofthe programs stemmed from the use of a wide variety of curricular materialssuch as videos and role-playing. Sexual abuse as a factor in adolescent pregnancy and child maltreatment. Therefore,apart from depression, the adult survivors of child sexual abuse also facedtremendous barriers in dealing with basic challenges and coping with peoplein their lives. ReferencesBower, B. 1888).Effects of Child Sexual Abuse Victims of child sexual abuse are severely affected by their traumaticexperiences. (2 , May). Parents and teachers should also be responsible for monitoringtheir development during the proceeding months. Because of the severity and the long-term effects of child sexualabuse, various institutions have come together to formulate strategies andimplement programs to prevent child sexual abuse. They suffer from long-term consequences that handicap their ability to function normally in theiradulthood. Furthermore, theyare highly sensitive to physical examinations. Basically,they suffer from symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorders that are notdissimilar to individuals who have been involved in natural disasters orviolence (Schachter, Stalker, & Teram, 1999, p. Pediatrics, 96, 944- 946.(1998, December 2). 1888). Public health officials, sexoffender treatment providers and the criminal justice system can allcontribute to the process of stamping out child sexual abuse and improvingthe safety of society for children ("Evaluation of a Child Sexual AbusePrevention Program," 2 1, p. 259). Other negative effects of child sexual abuse are also manifested inpregnant adolescents. Adult nonabusers need to acquirestrategies for confronting the abusers (Rispens, Aleman, & Goudena, 1997;Hall, G.C. British Medical Journal, 316(7), 198-2 2.Elders, M.J., & Albert, A.E. 254). Evaluation of a child sexual abuse prevention program- Vermont, 1995-1997. The adolescent women who suffered from child sexual abuse hadtheir first sexual experience 7.2 months earlier than the nonabused women.Furthermore, the abused group had their first pregnancy 9.7 months beforethe nonabused group (pp. Furthermore,they can empower these adult survivors by encouraging feedback from them sothat the healing process is not controlled solely by the therapists;instead, the therapeutic process is dependent on a partnership between thetherapist and the client (Schachter, Stalker, & Teram, 1999, p. Moreover, children are often sexually victimized by adults whoare familiar to them such as family members, babysitters, friends, teachersand clergy members. Inaddition, the STOP IT NOW! More importantly, they need to be taughtthat they have the right to privacy and that no one should be allowed totouch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. Any signs of radicalregression in any areas of the students' lives should be addressed throughtherapy. As an additional safeguard, parents should showinterest in the adults and companions in their children's lives and theiractivities ("Protecting Our Children," 1998, p. Child Abuse and Neglect, 21, 975-987.Schachter, C.L., Stalker, C.A., & Teram, E. Although many of the school prevention programs offered comprehensiveinformation, the evaluation of the actual effectiveness of the program inpreventing child sexual abuse was difficult. Typically, a child developsinto her own person by learning about boundaries from adult caregivers andestablishing her own separateness from others. (1992). 271).Conclusion The above discussion has illuminated the devastating effects of childsexual abuse on the lives of the victims. Journal of Consulting Clinical Psychology, 63, 8 2-8 9.Inderbitzen-Pisaruk, H., Shawchuck, C.R., & Hoier, T.S. 253). Unfortunately, the negative effects of child sexual abuse do notdisappear when the sexual abuse ends. TheUniversity of Oregon psychologist Jennifer Freyd coined the term "betrayaltrauma" in reference to children who are compelled to suppress theirintuitive affection for their parents or guardians who abuse them sexually.Dependent on their parents for their growth and survival, these childrenpay the price of being sexually abused (Spiegel, 2 , pp. Toward sensitive practice: Issues for physical therapists working with survivors of childhood sexual abuse. If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again: Search for: or Click here to request an essay written just for you.

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