What is Child Sexual Assault
Child Sexual Assault is any sexual act or sexual threat imposed on a child or young person. Child Sexual Assault includes a range of behaviours, An adult, adolescent or older child can use their authority or power to involve a child in any sexual activity.
This may include:
- Touching
- Exposing Themselves
- Pornography
- Sexual Intercourse
People who perpetrate these sexual assaults take advantage of the child's dependency or lack of understanding about what is happening. Physical or psychological force is usually a part of sexual assault.
Who are the Offenders
Most often children are sexually assaulted by someone they know and trust. This can include adult family members, brothers/sisters of the child, family friends or other people that the family knows. The offenders are more likely to be men than women. They may be members of your community. Positions of trust and authority offer offenders opportunities to abuse that trust and authority.
How Sexual Assault Happens
Offenders are very clever at tricking children. They use a range of tactics including force, threats and deception to trick children into participating in the sexual abuse and to remain silent about it. They may also try to gain the trust and friendship of parents in order to obtain access to children. be very aware of the manipulative tendencies of offenders. Avoid putting your child at risk of further abuse. Offenders need specialist help to stop their abuse behaviour. Be cautious and avoid leaving your child with a know offender.
Important Facts About Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault is a crime.
- Family friends, family members pr strangers may sexually assault children.
- Sexual Assault is never the child's or young person's fault.
- Sexual assault is an abuse of the child's trust.
- Offenders often use psychological manipulation to make children do what the offender wants and to stay silent about it.
- It is not unusual for parents to blame themselves, but it's never their faulty. it is always the offender who is responsible for the sexual assault.
- Each child reacts differently to sexual assault.
- If you are concerned about a child, please do not hesitate to phone us - (06) 758 4178
