Sexual abuse is barely reported in the media, which is more concerned with publicizing pedophilia in the Church than with fighting a serious problem with widespread social reach.
As UNICEF states, serious violations of children's rights, in this case sexual abuse, are commonplace. It is an issue that affects all social classes, all social groups, and all countries. It occurs in families, schools, tourism, camps, and many other communities. It only becomes visible in the media when a socially sensational case arises or when it is used for ideological purposes.1
There is talk that even a 15 to an 20% A significant portion of the child and adolescent population may have suffered some form of sexual abuse. Although it affects both sexes, girls are the most affected that children: 20% versus 5% approximately. The highest prevalence of sexual abuse and assault occurs in children between the ages of 6-7 years and between 8-12 years.
When do we talk about sexual abuse?
Experts describe a series of circumstances in which we can speak of sexual abuse. The first of these is coercion. Coercion is understood as when an adult uses their authority and age difference to force a minor, either through physical force or deception, to perform sexual acts. It can also be called age asymmetry.
It is technically considered sexual abuse committed by minors when there is a
Sexual abuse and pedophilia are commonplace, and probably not where they are most prevalent, but where we least expect them.
five-year age difference if the victim is under 12 years old and 10 years old when the victim is over 12 years oldFrankly, I think that age cutoff point is excessively lax, since the abuser/aggressor can use multiple cognitive and emotional resources against the victim even if they are over 12 years old.
The types of sexual abuse They are very broad: touching, penetration, exhibitionism, voyeurism, masturbation, etc… All of them leaving very important consequences that can appear immediately or remain latent until adolescence or adulthood.
Where and who produces the sexual abuse/assault
More than 70% of cases occur in the family (Father: 74%, mother's partner: 19%, stepfather: 7%). Outside the family (caregiver: 36%, acquaintance: 23%, mother's boyfriend: 11%, etc.)
80% of abuses are perpetrated by men and 13% by women, especially teenagers.
Warning signs according to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
When the aggression or abuse is especially perpetrated by acquaintances, the clinical presentation is very subtle, and attention should be paid to the following:
– Excessive interest in or avoidance of any topic related to sexuality.
– Sleep problems, nightmares, etc.
– Social isolation and/or depressive symptoms.
– Seductive behaviors with sexual content.
– Caution, fear, rejection, regarding everything related to the genitals.
– Refusal to go to school.
– Behavioral problems.
– Secrecy.
– Unusual aggressive behavior.
– Verbalization or suicide attempt-.
In this post, I've tried to denounce something that's far more common than it seems in our families, our schools, and our institutions. Without being overly zealous, we must at least keep in mind that these abuses are commonplace, and that our children tend to remain silent because they feel guilty, afraid, or threatened.
Don't be fooled, sexual abuse and pedophilia are commonplace, and probably not where it's most talked about, but where we least expect it.
