Sexual_abuse

Sexual abuse (also referred to as molestation) is defined as the forcing of undesired sexual acts by one person to another. Child sexual abuse refers to situations when the person this is done to is a child.

Different types of sexual abuse involve:

• Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape or sexual assault
• Psychological forms of abuse, such as verbal sexual behavior or stalking.
• The use of a position of trust for sexual purposes.
• Incest, when it is coerced by force or emotional manipulation; the euphemism "bad touch" is sometimes used to describe such abuse. Renvoizé, Jean (1982). Incest: A Family Pattern, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul. ISBN 0-71009-073-0.

Signs of sexual abuse

• Unexplained injuries, especially to genitalia and breasts (in females)
• Torn or stained clothing or underwear
• Pregnancy
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
• Unexplained behavioral problems
• Depression
• Self abuse and/or suicidal behavior
• Drug and/or alcohol abuse
• Sudden loss of interest in sexual activity
• Sudden increase of sexual behavior

Please note that these symptoms could be the result of a number of other things, and just because a person is exhibiting one or more of them it is not a definite sign that he or she has been sexually abused.

Spousal sexual abuse

Main article: Spousal abuse

Spousal abuse is the term applied to the specific form of domestic violence, where physical or sexual abuse is perpetrated by one spouse upon another. Frequently this involves forced sex (spousal rape) upon a spouse without their consent. [1]

Sexual abuse of children/minors

Main article: Child sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse refers to sexual abuse of a child (see also: minor) by an adult, or some other person significantly older or in a position of power or control over the child, where the child is used for sexual stimulation of another person.Guidelines for Psychological Evaluations in Child Protection Matters, American Psychological Association, February 1998. Studies of the effects of child sexual abuse often define it as including invitations or requests in addition to actual actions, with regard to any sexual interactions between adult and child, from kissing or hugging to completed intercourse, and all other related activities.Martin, J., Anderson, J., Romans, S., et al (1993). "Asking about child sexual abuse: methodological implications of a two-stage survey," Child Abuse and Neglect, 17, 383-392.Matt Reynolds, Qatari prince is sent home, The Prague Post

The American Psychiatric Association states that "children cannot consent to sexual activity with adults",Leadership Council - APA Statement on Child Sexual Abuse Quote: "...it is the position of the Association that children cannot consent to sexual activity with adults."[http://www.apa.org/releases/delay.html APA Letter to the Honorable Rep. DeLay (R-Tx.) and condemns the action of the adult in strong terms: "An adult who engages in sexual activity with a child is performing a criminal and immoral act which never can be considered normal or socially acceptable behavior."

Sexual misconduct by teachers is common in American schools according to a recent report. Sexual misconduct plagues U.S. schools, AP reports - CNN.com .

See also

• Sexual harassment and abuse of students by teachers

References

Sorenson,Susan B. (1997). Violence and Sexual Abuse at Home: Current Issues in Spousal Battering and Child Maltreatment, New York: Haworth Press. ISBN 1-56024-681-2.

Further reading

• Bass, Ellen and Laura Davis, 1988 (3rd ed. 1994). The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. Harper Collins Publishers.
• Aba, C. (1992). Sexual Assaults on Students. London: Harper and Row.
• Billie Wright Dzeich and Linda Weiner, 1984 (2nd ed. 1990). The Lecherous Professor: Sexual Harassment on Campus. Boston: Beacon Press.
• Cotheffe, James Gay Men and Childhood Sexual Trauma: Integrating the Shattered Self.
• Doris Van Stone, (1990). No Place to Cry: The Hurt and Healing of Sexual Abuse. Moody Publishers.
• Haines, Staci The Survivors Guide to Sex: How to Have an Empowered Sex Life after Child Sexual Abuse.
• Haines, Staci Healing Sex (DVD) A diverse cast of men and women explore peace, healing and intimacy post-abuse.
• Lew, Mike. Victime No Longer: Men Recovering from Incest and Other Sexual Child Abuse.
• Wishart, G.D. (2003) The Sexual Abuse of People with Learning Difficulties: Do We Need A Social Model Approach To Vulnerability?, Journal of Adult Protection, Volume 5 (Issue 3)

External links

• Survivor Matters - Support site with forum, created by survivors for survivors
• The Lighthouse Sanctuary - Support for sexual abuse sufferers and survivors
• RAINN - The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network
• Survivors Hope A website with forums, chat rooms and information
• Sexual Abuse of Males website
• Pandora\'s Aquarium A message board, chat room, and online support group for rape and sexual abuse survivors
• http://video.google.com/videoplay?doc

Catetory:Sex offenders

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