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Did you know? One in every five children has experienced sexual abuse! The truth behind this is shocking.
Sexual abuse is like an inescapable nightmare for innocent children. More than one million children are abused every year. This dark side of society reminds us that sexual abuse does not exist only in remote areas, but permeates all social structures, from families to schools to the digital world.
In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys experience sexual abuse during childhood.
Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is the practice of adults or older adolescents using minors for sexual stimulation. Such abuse can take many forms, including direct sexual conduct, indecent exposure, preparation for sexual abuse and the use of children to create pornography. What is even more shocking is that this kind of abuse is not limited to certain social classes or cultural backgrounds. Children from any class can be victims, whether in urban or rural areas.
What is more noteworthy is that child marriage is considered one of the main forms of sexual abuse. According to UNICEF, child marriage is "perhaps the most widespread form of sexual abuse and exploitation".
One in five children is sexually abused before childhood, which equates to more than one million children each year.
The impact of sexual abuse is widespread and profound. Psychological problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as emotional disorders such as anxiety, often follow the victim's growth. Children who are abused as children face greater mental health risks as adults.
Psychological impact
According to research, victims of sexual abuse report on average nearly four times the number of self-harm incidents than children who were not abused. Additionally, sexual abuse is significantly associated with the incidence of psychological disorders such as borderline personality disorder and eating disorders. During adolescence, these victims may be at risk of pregnancy and loss-making behavior.
More than half of sexually abused children exhibit psychological symptoms at some point.
The degree of psychological damage is usually more severe if the abuser is a relative or family member, especially if the abuser is a parent or immediate family member. This extraordinary psychological trauma can deepen over time, especially if the victim did not receive adequate support and treatment while growing up.
Body effects
In addition to psychological trauma, sexual abuse can cause physical harm, including damage to internal organs and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These physical injuries can have lasting effects on the child's future health. Research shows that traumatic stress can alter the functioning and development of the brain, thereby affecting a child's cognitive function and ability to regulate emotions.
Public reaction and support
Children who receive a supportive response after disclosing sexual abuse often have fewer symptoms of trauma and a shorter duration of abuse. Conversely, children who experience negative social reactions often have more pronounced trauma symptoms as adults. Therefore, it is especially important to listen and understand when a child discloses abuse.
Research shows that the support children receive after disclosing abuse has a direct impact on their recovery process.
Relevant agencies and medical professionals need to strengthen identification and intervention measures for victims of sexual abuse to ensure that children receive appropriate protection and support when facing crises.
Treatment methods
Treatment for children and adolescents who have been sexually abused often depends on several important factors, including age at presentation, reported circumstances, and coexisting medical conditions.
As society becomes increasingly aware of the problem of sexual abuse, local governments and social service agencies have begun to promote comprehensive education and support programs to improve children's awareness of protection and their ability to protect themselves. However, the stigma of sexual abuse remains a challenge, preventing many victims from speaking out.
Of course, it will still take time whether this situation can be fundamentally changed. It also forces us to reflect on how to create a safe and safe growth environment for every child in this diverse and rapidly changing society to avoid Are they a victim of crime again?
