Child sexual abuse is becoming a problem more and more in today’s society. Approximately three million children are abused every year 8% of these children are sexually abused. Penetration is not necessary for an act to be considered sexual abuse and the perpetrator does not have to be an adult -- they can be another child. Sexual abuse is very damaging and traumatic to children, it is important to know that people who commit sexual abuse usually groom their victims for a long time. After the abuse starts they will bribe and threaten the child to make sure they are allowed to continue this behavior on the child. Because of fear, love for the abuser (depending on who the abuser is), and threats, children are usually reluctant to tell a parent or other adult that they are being sexually abused.
It is very important to teach your child about “Stranger Danger” at an early age. But, also because children are often abused by people they know or family members it is important to set up a dialogue with your child at an early age so that if they are approached or are at any point abused they will tell a parent or adult what is happening to them. Should your child be sexually abused it is very important to alert the proper authorities in your area, and get your child into therapy immediately so that you child’s mental health can be assessed and treated. Also it is important to get your child to a medical doctor to make sure that there is no internal damage.
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