Sexual Interest in Children - Assignment Example

Results and discussion al affiliation: Introduction The purpose of the research was to determine the different facets of sexual harassment on children. The use of children for sexual gratification is a worldwide problem (Greytak, 2003). Apparently, the reality surrounding harassment on children cannot be overlooked. Its recognition in the society as major problem-affecting children remains anonymous. Child abuse involves stimulation of children sexually either through pornographic materials or physically. In this respect, sexual child abuse remains one of the major problems parents have to deal with. Many cases go unreported while others reach into the light. Additionally, many cases do not end into prosecution of perpetrators (Strauss, 2013). As a matter of fact, only less than 40% of reported cases reach the prosecution stage. The question of what happens to the cases has attracted the attention of many people calling for massive research in the field. According to the research findings, 20% of people know children who have passed through the harassment ordeals, 66% do not know while 14% are not sure. Figure 1 awareness of sexual assault case (Authors construct 2014) The many people with no information are a clear sign of abrasion that children go through unnoticed. With regards to capacity building and awareness on sexual harassment, 95% believe there no satisfactory programs aimed at enhancing the ability of children to recognise and report sexual related cases. In this light, 80% believe inclusion of sex education plays an important role in stimulating and enhancing children’s cognitive ability. On the other hand, others think inclusion of such programs exposes children to bad things that corrupt their morals. Notably, 60% are on the view that sexual harassment change how children think, behave and react to differed situations. Causes of sexual harassment Child abuse does not have given boundaries r geographical locations but common in schools, homes, and work places. Notably, there are different factors that stimulate child abuse. One common but serious issue is lack of education among community members. Many people cannot differentiate between a minor and a person above age under which sexual harassment has limited effect. As a result, many people target children of lower ages as sex toys not knowing that it is a great offense. On the same note, children fall victims of sexual abuse due to limited care from their parents (Greytak, 2003). Conceivably, many parents work during the day only coming back at night. Some end up not spending time with their children who venture into the outside world. Such children are vulnerable to sexual abuse from outsiders who are confident of no action from the parents. Substance abuse is another cause of sexual harassment on children. Arguably, many children fall victim to sexual assault from drunk or people under influence (Smothers, 2011). These people have no ability to reason and make rational decisions a factor that makes it easy to commit such offenses. Additionally, some children have fallen victim of sexual harassment sue t family disputes or social problems. In such cases children face abuse from their family members. Effects of sexual harassment Research has proven that sexual harassment does not only affect their childhood age but also the future. In this light, the effects of sexual abuse on children can be classified as psychological, physical and other related results. Psychologically, child abuse inflicts fear on the children victims. Evidently, this includes fear during the act and of not revealing what happened. Children who passed through ordeals of sexual harassment fear mixing with others. They do not reveal what happened to them due to various consequences of blame, punishment or even rejection. As a result, they end up suffering in silence with only a limited number identified by parents for quick action (Bromberg & Johnson, 2001). The trauma surrounding sexual harassment cases leave children victims with a lot to desire to either commit suicide or leave in a different world altogether. Indeed, the effect is responsible for the many suicide cases reported across the world. Victims of child sexual abuse also feel helpless and isolated. In response, they start isolating themselves and not sharing vital information with their parents or friends. In many cases, offenders only have the responsibility of inflicting the abuse while victims contain the secret. Undeniably, the added responsibility plays an important role in changing perception as well as behaviour. In this regards, victims relay the burden by declining performance or health. Children victims of sexual abuse cannot forgive themselves for the betrayal by people close to them. In this light, they are always angry instead of the innocent love and trust (Bromberg & Johnson, 2001). The flashbacks regarding the sexual incidents affect children in their ability to socialize with others. For instance, many fear mixing with others for fear of the same scenario. Physical effects induce pain and injury in children. Conceivably, these are mainly exhibited were offenders exert a lot of force. Some get strangled; others receive brutal beatings in the process affecting both external and private organs. Arguably, many victims undergo surgery after sexual abuse due to excessive force applied (Smothers, 2011). Additionally, some lose blood in the process and without emergency reactions; aspects such as death are inevitable. Part from the psychological and physical effects, the long and short-term effects of sexual abuse on education is inherent. Many child victims fail to concentrate in class or comfortably sit for exams. Additionally, they lose focus on co-curriculum objectives, which are important for any child. Objective 2 Many parents share the same fate as their children. They have limited education on sexual harassment. In as much as some recognise the boundary between normal actions and sexual harassment, it is apparent that many neglect the important part of a child’s development. In response to forward strategies of alleviating sexual harassment on children, many think authorities have to up their sleeves and work in collusion with parents. Notably, parents have a leading role in ensuring safety of their children. Most important, the law ascribed various regulations responsible for protection of children under different custodies. Notably, parents can employ different actions to protect their children against incest and sexual abuse. First, open conversations are very important between parents and children (Strauss, 2013). A family run in a professional way often fail to capture important highlights in life. For instance, it is through talks that parents get to know what their children do and recommend change of environment in case of any eventualities. Many children abused in schools or on their way experience this after a given period. Conceivably, children always report t their parents on different things that happen to them; however, without a listening ear worse is likely to happen. Apart from open conversations, moral teachings is also important towards controlling sexual harassment and incest. Apparently, many parents are at either work or other venues far from their children. The distance allows them gain insight on other’s teachings that corrupt their morals. In this regard, it is important to teach children on sex, their body organs and various limitations (Strauss, 2013). The teaching process empowers children allowing them to make the right decisions regarding different situations. Empowering children also entails walking in groups that offer protection. Apparently, children facing sexual abuse or incest are alone. In houses, it is important to provide third parties around children to prevent any eventualities. In the era of modern technology, it is also wise to introduce panic response systems. From this perspective, children confronted with abusive behaviours can report at a convenient time for action. Objective 3 Protecting children is the root solution to sexual abuse and incest; however, in the case that a child suffers from the acts convenient action is necessary. In as much as confusion is inevitable during the process, parents should seek extensive treatment for children victims. Apparently, many cases go unreported because of negligence or non-access to relevant authorities (Tobin & Kessner, 2002). Apart from the important role of important authorities and welfare organization, it is also important to bring into light the parent prospects. Many people are on the view that capacity building is necessary for parents. In case of sexual harassment, parents do not know the steps to take. As a result, many go to police stations while leaving the hospital factors unattended. It is in this light that many victims have psychological problems despite offenders facing jail time. A parent’s response to a sexual abuse situation can determine the future of the child. Many are aggressive towards ensuring the offenders face justice while others settle out of the courts receiving financial benefits. Interestingly, the financial benefits derived from such processes do not reach children who end up suffering psychologically from the associated affects. Therefore, a good framework is necessary to ensure children get the right treatment and a guaranteed future (Davis, 2011). According to research, treatment of children who have experienced sexual should not last for less than one month. Instead, a consistent monitoring and medication is necessary. Nevertheless, factors such as poverty, unemployment and work pressure and deter a parent from conveniently taking care of child abuse victims. It, therefore, is important for parents to organise their schedule, look for financial assistance and take a good care of child abuse victims. Apart from the psychological and physical attention that parents, need to take of legal requirements. Offenders tend to repeat their actions to victims if not action is taken. In as much as this may prove difficult when children do not report, it is the responsibility to investigate and take appropriate action. Because of poverty or inability to pursue cases to higher levels should not be a case to let offenders walk scot-free (Tobin & Kessner, 2002). Nonetheless, a good parent should seek all the available opportunities in both the private and public sector. All over the news, activists have been in the forefront of championing for respect and equality. Children should not be left out of this bracket as they represent the future. In addition, it is important to draw a healing process aimed at ensuring the victim does not meet with the same ordeals (Davis, 2011). From this perspective, parents will have an efficient response system to children sexual misfits. In conclusion, sexual advancement towards children has received attention from different stakeholders. Activists have been in the forefront towards calling for respect of children while parents have also raised their opinion regarding the heinous act. The government, on the other hand, has reaction by enlisting various protective measures including castration to reduce the escalating act. Whatever the motivations for sexual harassment of children, it remains one of the odd practices. Its causes include mental aggression, poverty and unemployment. Drug abuse and improper parental systems also contribute to the problems. Arguably, sexual harassment for children has an extensive psychological and physical effects. These long-term manifestations affect important aspects of life to socialize and gain education. As a result, victims of sexual assault fail to share and most importantly gain proper education. References Bromberg, D. S., & Johnson, B. T. (2001). Sexual interest in children, child sexual abuse, and psychological sequelae for children. Psychology in Schools, 38, 343-355. Davis, E. B. (2011). The Courage To Heal: A Guide For Women Survivors Of Child Sexual Abuse. Ebury Publishing. Greytak, E. A. (2003). Educating for the prevention of sexual abuse: An investigation of school-based programs for high school students and their applicability to urban schools. Penn GSE Perspectives on Urban Education, 2, 1-15 Smothers, D. B. (2011). A Sexual Assault Primary Prevention Model with Diverse Urban Youth". . Journal of Child Sexual Abuse , 708–727. Strauss, S. L. (2013). Sexual Harassment and Bullying: A Guide to Keeping Kids Safe and Holding Schools Accountable. Rowman & Littlefield Tobin, P., & Kessner, S. L. (2002). Keeping kids safe: A child sexual abuse prevention manual (2ndEd.). Alameda, CA: Hunter House Publishers. Read More