Sexual abuse
By family or a friend
Sexual abuse within a family may begin as a single incident, but then continue for several years. Often this pattern continues from one generation to another, as the 'once-victim' develops into the abuser later on in his or her life.
An abuser within the family usually tries to control his victim(s) with threats of punishment if the victim tells anyone, or by convincing the child that this activity is to be "their little secret".
Parents must talk with their children and encourage 'secrets' like these to be told.
Invariably, a child is often manipulated into engaging in sexually abusive acts. Victims of family sexual abuse are usually plagued by tremendous guilt and shame which prevents the victim from confiding in another family member. The abuser makes the child feel that they are the guilty party.
Many sexual abuse victims are well into adulthood before any signs of emotional or psychological harm become evident.
By a stranger
Sexual abusers may be male or female, but the majority of known abusers are men who victimise girls and/or boys.
Although many people tend to associate a child molester with the term "dirty old man", research shows that many abusers are under the age of 30 and only a small proportion of all known abusers are over the age of 50.
Generally, strangers will sexually abuse more than one child, but not usually the same child twice.
Sexual abuse by a stranger can happen to any child in places including:
- his/her own neighbourhood
- public places such as parks and playgrounds, and
- in deserted areas such as parking lots, public toilets and camping grounds.
Sexual abuse can range from a single, minor incident such as an obscene phone call to a more serious situation such as:
- fondling a child, or
- violent abuse involving physical harm or rape.
As in any of the abovementioned cases, a child may suffer from embarrassment, guilt, fear or severe psychological and behavioural problems.
Contact
| Kids Help Line | A national 24-hour telephone counselling service for children and young people in Australia |
Ph: 1800 551 800 |
| Sexual Assault Team (ACT Only) For enquiries from other states, please contact your local police station | Sexual Assault Team PO Box 401 Canberra City ACT 2601 | Ph: (02) 6256 7777 |