Sexually Abused Adolescents

1. Sexually Abused Adolescents By: Joseph Edwards

2. What is it? • Legal Definition: • Child/adolescent sexual abuse is any interaction in which a child/adolescent is used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or an observer through deception, force, or coercion into sexual activity over an extended period of time. • If the abuse does not continue over an extended period of time it is called sexual molestation as opposed to sexual abuse.

3. What does it include? • Any verbal or physical force of sexual activity including… • Sexual kissing • Exposure of perpetrator’s privates to child • Inappropriate touching of the child’s private parts • Masturbation (of self or child) • Object, sexual, or digital (finger) penetration • Pornography • Forcing child to watch and/or using the child for • Child prostitution

4. Shocking statistics • It is estimated that 300,000 children in the USA experience sexual abuse each year • 15% of all reports of sexual abuse • 1in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys • Average length of abuse is 1 to 4 years • 85% know their abuser(s) • 30% is by family members • 30% to 40% goes unreported

5. Why not report the abuse? • Fear • Guilt • Shame • Love • The sacredness of a secret

6. Physical Effects (during abuse) • Lack of sleep • General pain • Arms, legs, head • Pain/itching in private areas • Difficulty walking/sitting • Pain when using bathroom • Infection • Pregnancy • Interruption of normal sexual development

7. Psychological/Social Effects (during abuse) • Fear and anxiety • Guilt and shame • Depression • Low self-esteem • Anger • Withdrawal • Problems trusting others • Increase in nightmares • Regressive behaviors (thoughts/behaviors typical of earlier life stages) • bed-wetting for example • Identity and social skill development issues

8. Resulting Actions • Use of pornography • Substance use/abuse • Suicide/attempted suicide • Fighting and arguing with others • Inability to focus • Not doing school work or decrease in quality of work • Refusal to change in front of others • Such as for gym class or sports • Age-inappropriate sexual discussion or activity

9. Long-Term Physical Effects • Sexual dysfunction • STD’s • Pelvic disorders • Eating disorders • Substance abuse and related effects

10. Long-Term Psychological/Social Effects • Sexual misconceptions • Sex equals love • Love is bought by sexual submission • Sexual acts prove manhood/womanhood • Real men don’t use protection • Virginity is lame and people should be embarrassed of it • Flashbacks • Difficulty regulating emotions • Inability to develop positive relationships with peers

11. More Psychological/Social Effects • Inability to develop healthy intimate/romantic relationships • Change in sexual orientation • Addictions • Pornography • Drugs/alcohol (escape the memories) • Negative body image • High-Risk sexual behavior • Abused becomes Abuser

12. What can teachers do? • When there is known abuse • Be patient, understanding, supportive • Show them you care • Ensure them that it is not their fault • Try to prevent peer judgment, rejection, and bullying • When abuse is suspected • All students should know you are available to talk • Know the warning signs • Observe the student • Be prepared if disclosure occurs • Whether the student discloses or not, if you suspect abuse report it!

13. What can teachers do? • When disclosure occurs • Be honest: let them know you cannot keep what they tell you secret • Be ready to listen not question • Never ask leading questions • The student should be in control of the disclosure • Be calm • Emotional reactions may frighten and/or confuse the student • Ensure them that it is not their fault and that they did the right thing • Get the counselor involved

14. For Parents/Families • Informational Brochure • Prevention: What to teach • What to look for • What to do • Helping the child • Reporting abuse • Resources

15. References • Prendergast, W. E. (1996). Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents: A Preventative Guide for Parents, Teachers, and Counselors. New York, NY: Continuum Publishing. • Osmond, M., & Durham, D. (1998). Treating the Aftermath of Sexual Abuse: A Handbook for Working with Children. Washington, DC: CWLA Press. • Rowan, E. L. (2006). Understanding Child Sexual Abuse. Jackson, MS: University Press. • National Child Stress Network. (n.d.). Child Sexual Abuse [Fact sheet]. Retrieved fromhttp://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/ChildSexualAbuseFactSheetFINAL _10_2_07.pdf • American Psychological Association. (2013). Child Sexual Abuse: What Parents Should Know [Fact sheet]Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/pi/families/resources/child-sexual-abuse.aspx • Child Sexual Assault. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.turningpointservices.org/child_sexual_assault.htm • Cruise, T. K. (2004). Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from http://www.nasponline.org/educators/sexualabuse.pdf • Child Sexual Abuse Fact Sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://silentnomore.org/information/child-sexual-abuse/ • Stop the Silence – Stop Child Sexual Abuse PSA [Video file]. (2008, March 23). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtkbD_QnTTY • If You Tell [Online image]. (2012). Retrieved April 20, 2013 from http://www.examiner.com/article/a-global-day-to-end-child-sexual-abuse-the-innocent- revolution • Our Little Secret [Online image]. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2013 from http://drjacksinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/child-molestation-300x268.jpg • Webster, R. E., & Hall, C. W. (2004). School-Based Responses to Children Who Have Been Sexually Assaulted. Education and Treatment of Children, 27, 64-81.