Childhood sexual abuse (pedophilia) is a problem of vital importance for the mental health of people who suffer from it.
This type of abuse has been considered a risk factor for the development of a variety of psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, dissociative disorder or depression.
Even so, at a social level it is an inconspicuous issue, with a high number of unreported cases and associated with a significant number of myths that influence general knowledge of the problem. Some beliefs that distort the vision of this type of abuse at a social level, that can influence the stigma towards victims and create resistance to reporting these cases.
Therefore, It is important to know these myths in order to provide real and verified information about this phenomenon. so that it can be addressed more effectively. In this article we will explore seven of the myths that I consider most relevant:
Myth 1: Child sexual abuse is not as common as it is said.
The truth is that this type of abuse is more widespread than we think. It is estimated that one in four girls and one in six to eight boys have suffered sexual abuse in childhood.
Recent studies indicate that the prevalence in Spain of child sexual abuse is 19% in women, and 15.5% in men. Many of the victims never reveal the abuse, so, as it goes unnoticed by the authorities, these figures could be higher
Myth 2: Girls are at higher risk than boys
Prevalence studies tell us that women suffer more sexual abuse during childhood, but These results may be influenced by reporting bias.
It is believed that men may find it more difficult to report abuse due to cultural stereotypes of masculinity and initiators of sexual relations.
Myth 3: Aggressors are people unknown to the victim
Literature shows us that, In approximately 80-85% of cases, the abuser was known to the victim even from his own family circle.
In Spain it is observed that in cases where the victim is under 13 years of age, between 23.7 and 29.3% of cases the aggressor was a stranger. These numbers increase among cases where the victim is between 13 and 18 years old, and it can be observed that between 20% of women and 54.5% of men were abused by a stranger.
Myth 4: Childhood sexual abuse only occurs in certain social classes, cultures or dysfunctional families
Childhood sexual abuse occurs in all cultures, communities and social classes. This myth can limit prevention, since it ignores that this type of abuse can happen to anyone, and the same is true when it comes to dysfunctional families.
This type of abuse is independent of the functionality of the family, since abusers can gain the trust of both functional and dysfunctional families.
Myth 5: All sexual abusers were abused as children
Some of the abusers have been victims of sexual abuse during their childhood. but this is not a widespread fact, since studies indicate that one in eight victims of child sexual abuse ends up sexually abusing boys or girls.
This myth is used by abusers to gain sympathy or rationalize their abusive tendencies.
Myth 6: Abusers are only men
The literature suggests that between 20-25% of cases of sexual abuse have been perpetrated by women. This myth is based on the belief that women are caregivers and are not capable of being aggressive towards children.
Children under 5 years of age and adolescents are at greater risk of being victims of women.
Myth 7: Abused children know it is wrong and would reveal it
Minors are not necessarily aware that this type of activity is wrong: the “grooming” technique, groom in Spanish, It is used by pedophiles to gain the friendship and trust of minors before the abuse starts.
Through this technique, the minor does not want to lose their friendship with the abuser, or violate their trust, since they consider that their relationship is special, and therefore, they do not explain this abuse to anyone.
I hope this information has been useful and helps you understand this phenomenon much better.
