According to the WHO, one in 5 adult women and one in 13 adult men report having suffered sexual abuse in childhood. OECD data from 2014 show that of the participating countries, Mexico ranks first in sexual abuse and homicides in children under 14 years of age. The most alarming thing is that only 30% of sexual attacks on minors are reported
Sexual abuse is any forced sexual activity between a child and someone older These activities are divided into sexual behaviors without physical contact and sexual behaviors with physical contact.
Sexual behaviors without physical contact include:
Sexual behaviors with physical contact are:
Contexts in which sexual abuse can occur:
Risk factor’s
30% of sexually abused children were victims of a family member, 60% of them were victims of an acquaintance, and only 10% did not know their attacker.
Unfortunately, There is no specific profile in children that determines the occurrence of abuse or violence, nor a specific profile of a child sexual abuser. Abusers can be of any age, sex and religion, they normally represent figures of respect or authority for the minor (even the parents themselves).
All minors are vulnerable to being violated in some way, especially children under 4 years of age, but there are also situations that could increase the risk of sexual abuse, for example:
Warning signs
There are warning signs present and recurring in children who have been violated, although they cannot always be easily detected, these are:
Promotes self-esteem, security and values from childhood.
Promotes communication. Whether with a child or adolescent, it is best for them to know that there is someone to trust and someone who can help them if they feel threatened.
Teach to identify dangerous situations according to their age and your personal situation.
Never force them to kiss or have physical contact with other people It is common that when young children do not want to kiss family members, parents force them, however, this decision to decide on physical contact can give them strength to be able to “defend themselves” when someone tries to touch them inappropriately.
Hygiene and body care The less dependent minors are on their personal hygiene, the better it is so that they know that under no circumstances can they be touched inappropriately.
Encourage limits Children must be taught that they cannot go beyond the limits that we caregivers set for them, but not arbitrarily. On the contrary, it is important to assertively explain to them that in everything and for everything there are rules that cannot be transgressed.
Promotes empathy. Teach them to learn to say “I don’t like it” so that in a situation they don’t like they can say “I don’t want it” or “I don’t like it”.
What to do if you suspect sexual abuse?
Abusers can be men and women, of any age (other minors can also be aggressors) and religion, generally, are a figure of respect or authority for the minor.
In the event of any suspicion of sexual abuse of a minor, actions must be taken in order to protect the integrity of the child at all times. It must be remembered at all times that it is a crime that must be reported to the corresponding authorities, regardless of who the sexual abuse comes from.
Examinations to detect sexual abuse must include medical and psychological evaluation with professionals trained for said diagnosis.
The prognosis will depend on multiple factors, such as: age of the minor, context, support network and situation of abuse However, all minors who have suffered sexual abuse need a therapeutic process adapted to their needs and probably also medical care, depending on the physical damage.
