What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Little Warriors Definitions of Child Sexual Abuse
- The inappropriate exposure or subjection of a child to sexual contact, activity or behaviour.
- Child sexual abuse, sexual molestation or sexual exploitation can include any kind of sexual act directed toward a child by an adult or by an older or more powerful child or any sexual act which involves a threat or violence.
Sexual acts may include the following:
- Touching of a child's genitals by an adult.
- An adult telling the child to touch the adult's or another's genitals.
- Exposure of the genitals, including photographing the child's genitals or the child in a sexual position.
- An adult masturbating in front of a child.
- Rubbing (masturbating) against a child.
- Oral sex performed on a child or telling a child to perform oral sex.
- Any type of penetration of a child's vagina or anus, however slight, by a penis, finger, tongue or other object.
- Exposing a child to pornography or using a child in pornography.
- Talking to, taunting or teasing a child in a sexual way.
Signs and Symptoms of Child Sexual Abuse
Although some children may not exhibit signs of being sexually abused, it is important that we are aware, and can recognize the physical, emotional or behavioural signs.
- Sleeping problems, which could include night sweating, nightmares, or differing sleep patterns.
- Masturbating excessively.
- Sore or swollen genital or anus area, bleeding from genital area or anus, or vaginal discharge.
- Genital infections, or pain when urinating or having a bowel movement.
- Exhibiting sexual behaviors that are not age appropriate, including acting out with toys, friends or siblings.
- Fear of being with a certain person, or in a certain place.
- Eating problems, including loss of appetite
- Aggressive behaviour, mood changes, anxiety, self destructive behavior.
- Showing signs that it is painful to walk or sit.
- Losing interest in the activities that they have always enjoyed.
- Sudden negative change in academic performance.
- Displaying anxiety when being undressed or changed.
- Suddenly regressing to more infantile behaviors, such as bedwetting.
15 Lures of Sexual Predators
Abusers rely on trickery and deceit to achieve their goals in approaching and seducing their victims. Read the 15 commonly used lures to learn more about how you can proactively protect your children.
Affection Lure
Most acts of molestation are committed by a person known and trusted by the child.
Assistance Lure
The methods are unlimited and are meant to entice children away from safety. The offender may pretend to be disabled and in need of a helping hand, which children are usually too willing to offer.
Authority Lure
Children are taught to respect and obey adults. The offender takes advantage of that respect and obedience by using their positions as coaches, clergy, parents, scout leaders, etc. to intimidate or force children into sexual exploitation or abduction.
Bribery Lure
Bribes such as candy, money, and drugs are used to entice or manipulate children into situations and/or settings where sexual contact and activity can be initiated.
Ego/Fame Lure
Molesters use compliments and offers to fame and fortune to lure children into abuse or abduction. Children may be offered private auditions and told to keep it a secret from their parents.
Emergency Lure
This is used by abductors to confuse or worry the child. The child is then easily manipulated due to their anxiety and fear.
Fun and Games Lure
Offenders may suggest innocent body contact games such as tickling or wrestling to facilitate sexual contact.
Hero Lure
Molesters may abuse a child’s adoration for them, using it to molest and/or abduct them.
Job Lure
The offer of a short-term job or errand may be used to molest or abduct a child. Adolescents and even college students may be attracted by promises of high paying or interesting jobs.
Name Recognition Lure
Marking clothes and other belongings with the child’s name enables the offender to call the child by name, creating a false sense of familiarity and security.
Playmate/Companion Lure
The victim may be encouraged or coerced by the offender to usher other children into an abusive setting.
Pornography Lure
Many child molesters routinely expose their intended victims to pornography thus "normalizing" sexual activity and setting the stage for seduction.
Threats and Fear Lure
Molesters may blackmail or threaten children into cooperation or silence. They may even confront the child with an actual weapon (i.e. "Get in the car or I’ll shoot you").
Drug Lure
Molesters will often use drugs, especially alcohol to incapacitate or seduce children. The lure of drugs is often used in conjunction with pornography.
Computer/On-Line Lure
Some molesters are actually logging on to the Internet to chat with thousands of children, ultimately luring some into dangerous situations.
(Source: http://www.police.edmonton.ab.ca/Pages/ChildProtection/childlures.asp)
