Sexual abuse imprints the hearts and minds of its victims with deep emotional pain, confusion and destructive beliefs. Unless this impact is processed and healed, the legacy of sex abuse affects us all as the victim lives out of this impact.

Let’s check the facts – Take our True or False test.

1. Children experiencing sexual abuse usually tell someone in an effort to make it stop.

2. Sexually abused and neglected children almost always come from low income families.

3. The stranger on the corner is the most likely perpetrator of sex abuse against our children.

4. A child may be experiencing sexual abuse without anyone knowing about it.

5. A child will not enjoy the touch of a sexual perpetrator.

6. The amount of damage from sexual abuse depends upon the length and type of severity.

7. Children can prevent sex abuse if they are taught protective behaviors such as screaming, running and telling.

Answers

1. False. Most victims never tell anyone. Children do not have the strength of voice to tell someone for many reasons:

1. The perpetrator is often telling them to keep it secret.
2. We teach children to listen to the authority of adults and obey.
3. The shame around the topic is too large for a child to overcome.
4. Victims are groomed and often don’t understand what they are experiencing is not normal.

2. False. Sex abuse is not a socio-economic crime. It happens in all neighborhoods and all income levels. It is not among “them”, it is among “us”.

3. False. 90% of molesters are known and trusted by the family of their victims. The molester is more typically a family member or trusted adult who has free access to the child.

4. True. Sex abuse is a crime of secrecy. It absolutely can go on in a home without the non-offending adult knowing. The molester takes advantage of opportune times. A parent cannot be vigilant twenty four hours a day. Many symp toms of sex abuse may appear to be adjustment or development issues and it is difficult to pinpoint, especially when the child denies it.

5. False. Human beings are sexual beings with natural responses to sexual touches. The body will naturally respond. The body cannot distinguish between a touch that is violating and a touch that is loving; the body just responds. This is important to know because there is great confusion and guilt for the child as they may experience physical pleasure in the midst of the crippling hurting of their heart.

6. False. There are many contributing factors as to how someone is impacted by sex abuse. What is important to know is that sex abuse, no matter how long it has happened, or the severity of it, leaves an impact. Sex abuse impacts what the victim believes about self and their world. Never minimize how sex abuse impacts someone by saying “it was just…”

7. False. We have become complacent as we have placed prevention squarely on the shoulders of children expecting them to tell. THAT ISN’T PREVENTION! The abuse has already happened. Adults need to be the ones to respond to this crime. Check out the Zero Tolerance Tab!