Child Sexual Abuse in America and Solutions to counter it - Essay Example

Child Sexual Abuse in America and Solutions to counter it Introduction In most of the societies, child sexual abuses remain one of the most difficult subject to talk about. Countries like America and Canada that are considered to be democratically free are also in the list of countries where child abuse is in an increasing ratio. A number of researches have been conducted so far to understand the reasons and barriers that come in the way of acknowledging of child sexual abuses cases. The aim of this research paper is to critically assess the issue of child sexual abuse in America. Furthermore, a discussion will be carried out in order to understand the ways in which sexual child abuse can be prevented in America. Prevalence The prevalence of child sexual abuse has been marked in different parts of the world where majority of the cases are not even registered by the parents or guardians because of the taboo nature of this issue. Let alone in America, more than 83000 victims of child sexual abuse cases are registered on average. It is estimated that there can be a double ratio of cases that are not reported by their parents and guardians. Narrowing the statistical information, it becomes evident that girls are more likely to be sexually abuse. However, the ratio of boys being sexually abused remains significant as well (PipeM, Lamb, Orbach, & Cederborg, 2013). Conditions of Sexual Abuse In order to assess the aspect of child abuse, a number of cases were examined. The most critical form of child sexual abuse is the forced intercourse of an abuser to the abused subject. There are a number of variations which were evaluated during the case analysis. These variations had one common aspect i.e. touching or forced physical contact. Herein, it can be noted that various researchers found out that the worst and negative form of sexual child abuse is the act of an abuser to make the child touch sexual organs or undergoing penetration of the child’s sexual organs for the purpose of pleasure. In order to come up with different strategies to prevent the issue of child sexual abuse, it was marked that conditions of abuse were divided into two groups’ merely touching and non-touching offenses (Goodyear-Brown, 2011). Effects on the Victims As a matter of fact, child sexual abuse can have numerous consequences that are more likely to affect the children’s well being. Such incidents are more likely to haunt the child throughout their lives. Children who are sexually abused are also noted to have a very arrogant behavior because they lose trust on their elders. There can also be a variety of feelings and emotions that may result in long-mental imbalance. According to different researchers, it was noted that children who are sexually exploited in childhood become quiet and introvert. They do not like to communicate with people as they become unaware of expressions. The aspect of fear remains with them throughout their life despite guidance and therapy (Smallbone, Marshall, & Wortley, 2013). American psychology Association also pointed out that depression; anxiety and loss of self-esteem are common among children who have a history of sexual abuse in their young age. One of the most astonishing facts was that the children who are sexually abused are more likely to remain anti-social leading into weak relationships with their partners (Bryant-Davis, 2011). Complications in Reporting Child Sexual Abuse In addition, there are many complications that can be noted as soon as the child suffers from a sexual abuse. A child should be trusted for the statement he would give regarding the abuser because an adult would never let others know about such as act. Therefore, there should be less stress on the evidence of sexual abuse. Many welfare institutions have proven within their reports that children do not lie about being sexually exploited which indicates parents about their support towards their children. In case there is a report by a child then it should not be ignored or sustained for a proof statement because registration of such cases is the first step of the child to understand child abuse and ways through which he can get over with its effects. At times, there can be difficulties considering the case to positive on child’s position because these cases do not have evidences to prove the abuser to be at fault. Sometimes, the evidences from the child about sex abuse may be visible in terms of emotional breakdown rather than physical. It is because of this reason that the case from the child’s or victim’s position becomes considerably weak (Clincy, 2010). Attention to the Issue in hand It will not be incorrect to state that most of policymakers have given attention to the subject of child sexual abuse in recent times. It is for this reason that a couple of legislations have been passed in order to address such cases. Talking about America in particular, it has been noted that in-depth studies have been conducted that rather became a base of initiatives needed for prevention of child sexual abuse (Jones, 2013). Conclusion Through the above analysis, it becomes easy to understand that child sexual abuse is surely a very difficult issue that is yet to be countered completely. The issue is not being countered to its fullest because there are variations of child abuse that become further complex for proving its case. Mostly, parents try to avoid registering the case because they consider it to be a bad mark on their child’s reputation. However, it is necessary to raise voice against such incidents because it will allow the victimized child to feel confident. As a matter of fact, there are increased number of recommendations and initiatives that have been and are being taken in America to provide support to the children who are sexually abused. The fact remains that the American government also feel that the issue is complex because the registration of cases of child sexual abuse is increasing each year. Following are some of the solutions that can easily be applied by the government, social institutions and members of society to provide support to children who are at risk of being sexually abused: Solutions The most important solution to the issue of child sexual abuse is to train children about the way people can abuse them. There can be presentations and reading material that should be given to the children to understand the signals that will tell them to stay away from the abusers. Also, they can be taught about various types and conditions of child sexual abuse that will not only help to understand the abuser but also make sure that they can further communicate with their peers about it (Featherstone, Hooper, Scourfield, & Taylor, 2009). Provision of support to victims of child sexual abuse will allow children to avoid fearing reporting. It is important as it will not only make them confident but also help society to accept the issue as a problem to counter rather than a subject of taboo which should not be talked about with others and especially children who are at risk (Greata, 2008). Reporting is most important if one is looking forward to solve issue right from its roots. Also, parents need to understand that they need to help their children by trusting them when they report something as close to child abuse. It will allow them to trust their parents and guardians leading to successful channels of communication. People should also be a part of awareness group even if they are not directly linked with any case of child sexual abuse because it is about spreading the word among children. References List Bryant-Davis, T. (2011). Surviving Sexual Violence: A Guide to Recovery and Empowerment. New York: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Clincy, S. (2010). The Socialization of the African American Child: In Contemporary America. New York: AuthorHouse. Featherstone, B., Hooper, C., Scourfield, J., & Taylor, J. (2009). Gender and Child Welfare in Society. New York: John Wiley And Sons. Goodyear-Brown, P. (2011). Handbook of Child Sexual Abuse: Identification, Assessment, and Treatment. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons. Greata, J. (2008). An introduction to music in early childhood education. NewYork: Thomson Delmar Learning. Jones, A. (2013). Understanding Child Sexual Abuse: Perspectives from the Caribbean. New York: Palgrave Macmillan. PipeM, Lamb, M., Orbach, Y., & Cederborg, A. (2013). Child Sexual Abuse: Disclosure, Delay, and Denial. New York: Psychology Press. Smallbone, S., Marshall, W., & Wortley, R. (2013). Preventing Child Sexual Abuse: Evidence, Policy and Practice. Washington DC.: Routledge. Read More