Sexuality Struggles in Abused Children and the Role of School Counselors - Coursework Example

Running Head: SEXUALITY STRUGGLES IN ABUSED CHILDREN AND THE ROLE OF SCHOOL COUNSELORS Sexuality Struggles in Abused Children and the Role of School Counselors (Your Name) (Your School ) Abstract Child sexual abuse is one of the social problems affecting the wellbeing of children in our society. Child sexual abuse is rampant in different societies in the world and has detrimental effects on growth and development of children and in their later adult life. Children who are sexually abused experience sexuality growth difficulties in forming their identity, acceptance, and self respect in the society. While most children may fail to communicate about their ordeal, there are a number of physical and behavior signs of sex abuse that are explored in detail in this paper. This paper discusses the effects of child sexual abuse on children and how school counselors can use sexuality struggles to identify these children and assist them to overcome their experience. Introduction Child sexual abuse is an inherent problem in the society today. It is one of the many child abuse problems where an adult or someone who is older than the child abuses the child with the purpose of gaining sexual stimulation. According to Brown et al., (2008) child sexual abuse includes different activities including pressurizing the child to engage in sexual activity without taking into consideration the outcomes, exposing the child genitals in an indecent manner, showing pornographic materials to the child, sexual contact with the child, and many other behaviors which can be considered to offend the child sexually. In their study, Noll et al., (2003) argue that child sexual abuse has different effects on the child as they grow up and even in their adulthood. The main effects of child sexual abuse vary from depression, PSTD (post-traumatic stress disorder), anxiety, high likelihood of re-victimization in their later adulthood, physical injury to the child, and other problems which affect the social and health wellbeing of the victim. Victims of child abuse struggled to regain their identity, respect, and acceptance by the general society as they grow up. This presents a challenging task to school counselors who have to initiate to the child the long term process of healing to regain their identity, acceptance, and respect in the society (Brown et al., 2008). What is child sexual abuse? Child sexual abuse is an inherent problem in our society. According to recent studies, about 15% to 20% of women have ever been sexually abused in their childhood. Statistics indicates that approximately 5% to 15% of men were also sexually abused when they were young (Noll et al., 2003). Due to differing application of the term child sex abuse, no universally accepted definition of child abuse. However any definition of the term must include unwanted sexual intercourse whether or not there is no actual sexual penetration. Therefore any definition of child sexual abuse must include sexual encounter which may be in terms of intercourse, verbal connotation, witnessing of sexual act, child pornography, fondling, and many others. Child sexual abuse affects the child into their later adulthood. According to (Brown et al., 2008) there are many confounding variables like poor family environment, physical abuse, and many others which make it difficult to study the subject. Scholars argue that it important to control these factors in studying the effect of sexual abuse on children (Brown et al., 2008; Noll et al., 2003; Daskovsky, 2008). Prevalence of child abuse Child sexual abuse is prevalent in the society and has many negative effects on the child as they grow up and in their later adulthood (Brown et al., 2008). As was highlighted earlier, more than 15% of women and 5% of men have ever been abused in their childhood. Statistics also reveal that most sexual abusers, approximately 30%, are known to the child or are close relatives like brothers, fathers, uncles, and cousins. More than 60% of child sex abusers are family friends, babysitters, and neighbors (Noll et al., 2003). While strangers are most likely to sexually abuse the child, they only represent 10% of the child abuse cases. Statistics also review that men are ranked high as child sexual abusers while women account for only 14% of the total abusers. Young boys account for only 6% of the child abuse cases against girls (Noll et al., 2003). Effects of Child sexual abuse on the child and implication to counselors In many cases, symptoms of sexual abuse in a child may not be obvious but researchers have proved that there are many psychological effects to the child (Noll et al., 2003; Geeraert et al., 2004). Although there are specific symptoms that may appear on a child, most symptoms are apparent in all children who are sexually. According to Brown et al., (2008) most literature on child abuse have shown that school counselor are in a better position to recognize and mitigate the effects of child abuse on children. Putting into consideration that most sexually abused children don’t disclose what has happened to them fearing victimization, school counselors should be equipped with necessary skills to identify symptoms of child sexual abuse and offer the necessary support to help in the healing process which mitigate the future effects of the ordeal on the child. Daskovsky (2008) recount that most important, school counselors should be in a position to recognize indicator of child abuse based on symptomotology and behavior of individual child and understand how the trauma associated with child abuse is likely to affect their learning process, social life, and their life in later adulthood. In addition, Brown et al (2008) clarify that counselors should also form a strong collaboration with clinician who treats sexually abused children through creation of role-appropriate advocacy, timely intervention, and formulation of aftercare strategies. According to Geeraert et al., (2004) the traumatic symptoms exhibited by a sexually abused child can be aggravated by different factors including the number of perpetrators, the duration of the ordeal, frequency, and severity of the ordeal. Brown et al., (2008) adds that the symptoms may also be exacerbated by the age of the victim and the perpetrator, and the feelings associated with the ordeal life responsibility, powerlessness, and sense of betrayal, stigmatization, and many others. Therefore, depending on these factors, the victims will show differing level and extent of symptoms related to the ordeal but most of them will exhibit similar symptoms. Child sexual abuse has short-term and long-term effects on the child which may extend to their psychopathology in their adult life. Child sexual abuse results to emotional, physical, and social effects which may range from depression, PTSD, anxiety, eating and disorders (Brown et al., 2008). Other negative effects may include eating disorders, low-self esteem, anxiety disorders, sexual disorders, learning problems, and behavior problems like substance abuse, criminality incidence in later adulthood, suicidal minds, and many others. Long term effects affect development of the child in their later adulthood including re-victimization and many others. A wide range of studies have showed a correlation between child sexual abuse and certain areas of psychopathology in adulthood (Daskovsky, 2008; Geeraert et al., 2004; Brown et al., 2008). These effects may include sociality, antisocial behavior, PSTD, alcoholism, and many others. Dubner (1999) shows that most victims of child abuse do not reveal their ordeal unless there is some kind of intervention or close observation of psychical or behavioral characteristics on the child. Physical signs are easier to discern than other signs of sexual abuse and these should be the leading indicators that counselors and in deed teachers and parents should look closely into. There are some specific physical indicators that when noticed may raise suspicion. According to Brown et al., (2008) these include difficulty in walking or in performance of physical activities, blood stained or torn underclothing, pain or itching in the genital area, infections like yeast infection, bruise and bleeding, diagnosis with STD (sexually transmitted diseases), and many others. In consideration of the above factor, teachers, parents, and nurses are in a better position than counselors to see these signs. Noll et al., (2003) shows that unlike physical symptoms, sexuality struggles in sexually abused children are mostly manifested in behavioral changes. Behavior indicators are vital in identifying children who have been sexually abused and may as well be used by counselors and clinicians to assist victims in the recovery process (Geeraert et al., 2004; Brown et al., 2008). According to Dubner (1999) behavior indicators include a wide range of symptoms like sex play which may include advanced sexual knowledge, little emotional control, learning difficulties, social withdrawal coupled with depression, constant worry about their sibling, difficulties in forming and maintaining close peer relationship, isolation from normal social relationships, avoiding close contacts especially with opposite sex peers, and finally a sudden change in weight or general wellbeing of the child which may signal emotional and psychological distress. Studies have also showed a wide range of sexualized behaviors for children who are sexually abused (Brown et al., 2008; Daskovsky, 2008; Dubner, 1999). Noll et al., (2003) consent to the fact that sexually abused children experience difficulties in sexuality developed as they grow to their adulthood especially in their teenage years. Brown et al., (2008) shows that these may include in-appropriate age sexual knowledge, cases of increased masturbation, seductive behaviors, and in most cases, sexualized play. These signs are considered hallmark indicators of sexual abuse and have been used in several studies comparing the effects of sexual abuse between abused and non-abused children. According to Noll et al., (2003) most children who may not be able to communicate with adults mostly use behavior to pass their message and therefore it is the duty of adults who are in close contact with children to monitor their behaviors closely to form a close understanding of the child in reference to interpretation of their behaviors. Child play behavior, including how they play with their toys, may signal sexual abused and such a child should immediately receive the attention of the counselor. Geeraert et al., (2004) ascertain that most theorist ascertain to the fact that like adults, children reenact experienced traumas in order to initiate a healing process. Children play is a clear indication of traumatic memory since most children may not be able to verbalize the nature of traumas they have undergone. Brown et al., (2008) assert that play behaviors can also be noted during a closely observed counseling session, or during non instructional lessons like physical education, where the children may feel free to express their emotions. According to Daskovsky (2008) there are different play behaviors which all exhibit sexuality struggles in sexually abused children. Abreactive play behaviors include those behaviors which reenact trauma now and again. Under abreactive play behaviors, abused children often re-create experienced traumas in a way that integrate their experience to life stories. For example, children may draw pictures that depict abused acts, narrate ordeals as stories, or sometimes use their dolls and puppets to depict their ordeal. Researchers have also shown that sexually abused children show aggressive play behaviors (Brown et al., 2008; Dubner, 1999). Some may kick things around, hit hard their doll, use their toys like guns to act aggressively, yell often, or make threats in a manner which express their actions of their abusers. Children also exhibit dissociate behaviors like paying without being emotionally connected or being distant from their current activity. This is a common symptom of PSTD in abused children. Dubner (1999) shows that abused children have also shown regressive play behaviors like sucking their thumbs, use of pacifier, or use of baby voice. Sexualized play behaviors are used to reenact the abuse, express emotional reactions, and get understanding and acceptance. According to Brown et al., (2008) school counselor need to have understanding of the above sexuality struggles in children in order to help them overcome their ordeal. When school counselors identify such a children, they need first to establish safety for the child which will assure physical protection for the child. This may include transferring of the child to foster family or another school away from abuser. Second the counselor must initiate remembering and mourning where the child will remember and recount the ordeal in a therapeutic session. This helps in resolving the traumatic ordeal. In the last stage, the counselor must assist the child to reconnect with others in the recovery process where the child builds a new conception and engages with other children. This is the last stage that helps them to overcome identity crisis, gain acceptance in the society, and gain self respect. Conclusion Child sexual abuse is an inherent problem in our society. However, most children do not disclose their abuse to anyone but their behaviors can be used to identify whether they have been abused or not. Child sexual abuse is any act that sexually offends the child and may leave lasting traumatic effect in the course of their life and their later life. Statistics on child sexual abuses reveal that more than 15% of women and 5% of men have been abused in their childhood. Abused children exhibit a wide range of behaviors including physical indicators and behavioral indicators like sexualized behaviors, play behaviors, and many others. Understanding of symptoms of sexuality struggles in abused children is important for schools counselors in order to formulate a three stage process which including establishment of safety, remembering and mourning, and finally reconnecting and integrating with others. Reference: Brown, S., Brack, G., & Mullis, F. (2008). Traumatic symptoms in sexually abused children: Implications for school counselors. Professional School Counseling, Vol. 11(6) Daskovsky, D. (2008). The abuser and the abused: Sources of resistance to resolving splits in the counter transference in the treatment of adults who were sexually abused as children. Psychoanalytic Psychology, Vol. 15(1): 3-13 Dubner, A. E. (1999). Sexually and physically abused foster care children and posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 67(3): 367-373 Geeraert, L., Van den Noortgate, W., Grietens, H., & Onghena, P. (2004).The effects of early prevention programs for families with young children at risk for physical child abuse and neglect: A meta-analysis. Child Maltreatment, Vol. 9: 277-291. Noll, G., Trickett, P., & Putman, F. W. (2003). A prospective investigation of the impact of childhood sexual abuse on the development of sexuality. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol. 71(3): 575-586 Read More

Therefore any definition of child sexual abuse must include sexual encounter which may be in terms of intercourse, verbal connotation, witnessing of sexual act, child pornography, fondling, and many others. Child sexual abuse affects the child into their later adulthood. According to (Brown et al., 2008) there are many confounding variables like poor family environment, physical abuse, and many others which make it difficult to study the subject. Scholars argue that it important to control these factors in studying the effect of sexual abuse on children (Brown et al.

, 2008; Noll et al., 2003; Daskovsky, 2008). Prevalence of child abuse Child sexual abuse is prevalent in the society and has many negative effects on the child as they grow up and in their later adulthood (Brown et al., 2008). As was highlighted earlier, more than 15% of women and 5% of men have ever been abused in their childhood. Statistics also reveal that most sexual abusers, approximately 30%, are known to the child or are close relatives like brothers, fathers, uncles, and cousins. More than 60% of child sex abusers are family friends, babysitters, and neighbors (Noll et al., 2003). While strangers are most likely to sexually abuse the child, they only represent 10% of the child abuse cases.

Statistics also review that men are ranked high as child sexual abusers while women account for only 14% of the total abusers. Young boys account for only 6% of the child abuse cases against girls (Noll et al., 2003). Effects of Child sexual abuse on the child and implication to counselors In many cases, symptoms of sexual abuse in a child may not be obvious but researchers have proved that there are many psychological effects to the child (Noll et al., 2003; Geeraert et al., 2004). Although there are specific symptoms that may appear on a child, most symptoms are apparent in all children who are sexually.

According to Brown et al., (2008) most literature on child abuse have shown that school counselor are in a better position to recognize and mitigate the effects of child abuse on children. Putting into consideration that most sexually abused children don’t disclose what has happened to them fearing victimization, school counselors should be equipped with necessary skills to identify symptoms of child sexual abuse and offer the necessary support to help in the healing process which mitigate the future effects of the ordeal on the child.

Daskovsky (2008) recount that most important, school counselors should be in a position to recognize indicator of child abuse based on symptomotology and behavior of individual child and understand how the trauma associated with child abuse is likely to affect their learning process, social life, and their life in later adulthood. In addition, Brown et al (2008) clarify that counselors should also form a strong collaboration with clinician who treats sexually abused children through creation of role-appropriate advocacy, timely intervention, and formulation of aftercare strategies.

According to Geeraert et al., (2004) the traumatic symptoms exhibited by a sexually abused child can be aggravated by different factors including the number of perpetrators, the duration of the ordeal, frequency, and severity of the ordeal. Brown et al., (2008) adds that the symptoms may also be exacerbated by the age of the victim and the perpetrator, and the feelings associated with the ordeal life responsibility, powerlessness, and sense of betrayal, stigmatization, and many others. Therefore, depending on these factors, the victims will show differing level and extent of symptoms related to the ordeal but most of them will exhibit similar symptoms.

Child sexual abuse has short-term and long-term effects on the child which may extend to their psychopathology in their adult life. Child sexual abuse results to emotional, physical, and social effects which may range from depression, PTSD, anxiety, eating and disorders (Brown et al., 2008). Other negative effects may include eating disorders, low-self esteem, anxiety disorders, sexual disorders, learning problems, and behavior problems like substance abuse, criminality incidence in later adulthood, suicidal minds, and many others.

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