Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse

PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL ABUSE
Dr. Janice Hull

OUR CHILDREN

Our children are our most precious asset. They represent our hopes for a happier, brighter, and better future. Our children are also the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected against those who may try to hurt them.

There are individuals who sexually exploit children. Research indicates that as many as one in three girls and one in seven boys will be sexually abused at some point. Surveys consistently show that more than one in five adults suffered or were victims of this type of abuse during childhood. Because the damages of this abuse are often damaging to not only the victim, but the victim’s family, future partners, and potentially even the victim’s future children, this is a horrific problem that must be addressed.

WHO ARE SEX OFFENDERS?

While some offenders are strangers to their victims, the majority of these types of abusers will victimize someone they already know such as a family member or close acquaintance. While some sex offenders use forceful attacks, most do not obtain their victims in this way. The majority of offenders seduce their targets through the use of attention, affection, kindness and gifts. They are often willing to devote considerable amounts of time, money, and energy in this process. They listen to and feign empathy for children and their problems. They are aware of the latest music and activities, so they are able to easily befriend young people and isolate them from those who might interrupt the dangerous events they are carefully constructing.

The people who can most easily protect children from sexual abuse are parents and caregivers. While some abuse cannot be detected beforehand, there are often signs that things are not okay. In spite of these signs, many people are not able or willing to confront the possible abuse or the person who may be an offender. Why? It’s very disturbing to imagine that a friend or someone even closer could be harming a child in that way. Without proof, it is so much easier to dismiss such thoughts as an overreaction. Also, there may be worry about the consequences of taking action if the suspicions are wrong, and especially if the concern involves someone who is depended upon for financial or emotional support.

There is no typical profile of someone who sexually abuses children. You cannot pick an offender out of a crowd based upon appearance. They may be fathers, mothers, step-parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, or cousins. They may be teachers, attorneys, counselors, or doctors. They are neighbors, babysitters, or friends. Many offenders are married or have consensual adult relationships, and their main attraction may not be to children. They come from all social and economic classes, as well as all racial and religious backgrounds. They may be homosexual or heterosexual. While most offenders are men, some are women. Studies have indicated that approximately one-third of sex offenders may be under the age of 18.