Sexual Abuse, Essay Example

Outline

Introduction

• Vulnerability of children predisposes many to sexual abuse
• Abuse can be physical or psychological

Body

• Abuse can be physical or psychological

1. Effects of physical abuse include isolation and depression
2. It can also lead to inability to engage in normal sexual behavior
3. Post traumatic stress disorder is a common psychological disorder among the victims

• Sexually abused children more likely to develop deviant and promiscuous behavior

1. Some engage in promiscuous behavior leading to sexually leading to sexually transmitted disease
2. Others are unable to form lasting relationships

Conclusion

• Preventive measures should be put in place to prevent abuse

1. Treatment is not a guaranteed remedy for the victims
2. Prevention is the best remedy

The vulnerability of children makes them the most common targets of sexual abusers. In the US, it has become a significant issue regarding public health. Child sex abuse is categorized as abuse of an individual below the age of 18. The effects can be classified as physical and psychological and occur immediately and also later in life. Changes in personality character in children are the main recognition features of abuse. Having an appreciation of the long term effects of sexual abuse is very important when ones to understand personality characters of the victims who go through the experience. For effective management of victims of sexual abuse, it is imperative that we recognize the cause of the observed disorder and determine the Adversity to the child.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common among children who have been victims of sexual abuse as outlined by Kinnear (p 18). This results due the nature of the abuse. The violence that is involved during the act in addition to the pain causes is bound to have delayed reaction on the child. If the abuser is known to the child, the extent of stress is more due to frequent exposure. The signs are normally related with association of the circumstances preceding and during the abuse with any other circumstance the child is presented with. As a result, the child will avoid such situation and may appear withdrawn. Reports have shown that sexually abused children develop anxiety and deviant sexual behaviors including promiscuity.

Mental health of an abused child is also affected adversely. Owing to the heinous nature of the offense, the child is bound to become isolated and depressed. Over time, the child becomes withdrawn from society. Kinnear (19) postulated that the stigma attached to abuse of child also fosters the guilty feeling. As a result, the child enters adulthood without having experienced the challenges which normally stimulate response behavior for survival as an adult.

Physically, some victims are rendered unable to engage in normal sexual practices owing to the physical trauma to the affected organs. The abuser is obviously in a hurry to avoid being caught. The element of struggle implies that injury is bound to occur. As result, the ability to function as normal adult and fulfill their reproductive duties is greatly hampered even in the absence of psychological tendencies. The fear involved in correlating sexual activity wit abuse becomes a hindering factor hence making the individuals unable to form lasting relationships.

Sexual abuse is bound to lead to sexually transmitted diseases to the child. Most abusers are adults who have previously engaged in sexual activities and could thus be carriers of such diseases. Transmission rates are also higher owing to the injury sustained. As observed from most instances, such treatment for such disease is hampered by the diagnostic challenges since the victim may hide the fact they were abused Finkelman (p 41). The shame and trauma involved may prevent the child from opening up to responsible adults.

According to Kinnear (18), inclination to crime has been observed to occur in children who have been sexually abused. Their appreciation of danger is compromised due to loss of self-esteem thus propagating tendencies of disruptive behavior and conduct. Besides, the abused child is bound to feel dejected. This feeling propels most abused children to risk taking behavior. The withdrawal period also takes away valuable time for personal development and the individual may lack a source of income. Substance abuse is also rife among individuals who have been abused. This originates from the search of a coping mechanism.

In conclusion therefore, it is imperative that society protects children from abuse of any form. Sexual abuse has adverse effects running into adult life. Treatment and care of victims is not a guaranteed remedy for the victims. As a result, it is better prevention than care.

Works Cited

Finkelman, Byrgen “Child Abuse: Short- And Long-Term Effects” USA: Taylor & Francis, 1995p

Kinnear, Karen L. ‘Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Reference Handbook”, California: ABC-  CLIO, 2007