SEXUAL ABUSE

WHAT IS IT?
Sexual abuse or sex abuse, also referred to as molestation, is abusive sexual
behavior by one person upon another. It is often perpetrated using force or by taking
advantage of another.[1] Molestation often refers to an instance of sexual assault against
a small child, whereas sexual abuse is a term used for a persistent pattern of sexual
assaults.[2]
The offender is referred to as a sexual abuser or molester.[3] The term also covers
behavior by an adult or older adolescent towards a child to stimulate any of the involved
sexually. The use of a child, or other individuals younger than the age of consent, for
sexual stimulation is referred to as child sexual abuse or statutory rape. Live streaming
sexual abuse involves trafficking and coerced sexual acts and or rape in real time on
webcam.
There are different victims of sexual abuse;
Spouses
Spousal sexual abuse is a form of domestic violence. When the abuse involves threats of
unwanted sexual contact or forced sex by a woman's husband or ex-husband, it may
constitute rape, depending on the jurisdiction, and may also constitute an assault.
Children
Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse in which a child is abused for the sexual
gratification of an adult or older adolescent.[9][10] It includes direct sexual contact, the adult
or otherwise older person engaging indecent exposure (of the genitals, female nipples,
etc.) to a child with intent to gratify their own sexual desires or to intimidate or groom the
child, asking or pressuring a child to engage in sexual activities.
Effects of child sexual abuse include shame, self-blame,[13] depression, anxiety, post-
traumatic stress disorder, self-esteem issues, sexual dysfunction, chronic pelvic pain,
addiction, self-injury, suicidal ideation, borderline personality disorder
People with developmental disabilities
People with developmental disabilities are often victims of sexual abuse. According to research,
people with disabilities are at a greater risk for victimization of sexual assault or sexual abuse
because of lack of understanding

Elderly and people with dementia

. Elderly people, especially those with dementia, can be at risk of abuse. There were over 6,000
"safeguarding concerns and alerts" at UK care homes from 2013 to 2015. These included alleged
inappropriate touching and worse allegations. Offenders were most often other residents but staff
also offended. It is suspected some care homes may deliberately overlook these offenses.
WHAT ISNT IT
Sexual abuse is not psychological abuse, physical abuse , emotional abuse or verbal
abuse. Sexual abuse isn’t done by consent by all doers of the action, the victims of the
sexual abuse don’t want any part of it or give permission to the abuser or molester. In
that case it would be normal sexual activity that is wanted by both sides which isn’t the
case in sexual abuse.

Sexual abuse is also not attempted assault and minor assault with or without injury and
serious assault or homicide.

CAUSES
There are many theories explaining the causes of sexual violence. These theories
include military conquest, socioeconomics, anger, power, sadism, traits, ethical
standards, laws, and evolutionary pressures that lend some explanation to the causes
of sexual violence. Most of the research on the causes of sexual violence has only been
done on male offenders (and has largely ignored female perpetrated sexual violence
due to lack of data) and has been target of criticism

PREVENTION METHODS
Learn who is most likely to commit crimes of abuse, why adults abuse children, etc. Seek out
preventative information about child sexual abuse

Communication is the most important principle in keeping your kids safe from sexual abuse. Create a
climate in your home where kids are not afraid to share information about things they may be
embarrassed or afraid about. Be willing to share what you know about sexual abuse and how to prevent it
with your children. Tell your children the basics such as, " No one has the right to touch your body
without your permission

Lobby for victim–centered sexual assault laws. Speak out against all forms of
violence. Educate yourself on the issues

Intervene if you witness sexually abusive behavior. Advocate for victim’s

rights. Learn about sexual harassment
CURE METHODS

In the emergency department, contraceptive medications are offered to women raped

by men because about 5% of such rapes result in pregnancy.
[32]
Preventative medication against sexually transmitted infections are given to victims of
all types of sexual abuse (especially for the most common diseases
like chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis) and a blood serum is
collected to test for STIs (such as HIV, hepatitis B and syphilis).[32] Any survivor with
abrasions are immunized for tetanus if 5 years have elapsed since the last
immunization.[32] Short-term treatment with a benzodiazepine may help with acute
anxiety and antidepressants may be helpful for symptoms of PTSD, depression and
panic attacks.[32]
Sexual abuse has been linked to the development of psychotic symptoms in abused
children. Treatment for psychotic symptoms may also be involved in sexual abuse
treatment.[33]
In regards to long term psychological treatment, prolonged exposure therapy has been
tested as a method of long-term PTSD treatment for victims of sexual abuse