Child & Youth
Protection - Dispelling
the Myths
Here
are some common myths about sexual abuse
and information to help you understand
the facts.
MYTH
#1
The myth is only girls are sexually
abused.
The fact is that many sexually abused children are boys, but these abuses are
not reported as often.
MYTH
#2
The myth is that strangers are
the most frequent perpetrators of
sexual abuse.
The fact is that 80% of molested children are abused by a person they KNOW.
About 51% of these perpetrators are NATURAL PARENTS.
MYTH
#3
The myth is that sexual abuse
happens to very few children.
The truth is child sexual abuse is very prevalent. According to the National
Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect, of the substantiated abuse cases,
1 in 12 were sexual abuse. Of these, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 6 boys are abused
before age 18.
MYTH
#4
The myth is that sexual abuse
only happens to poor people.
The fact is sexual abuse occurs in ALL social and economic groups.
MYTH
#5
The myth is that most cases of
sexual abuse are reported.
The fact is that only 1 in 10 to 1 in 20 incidents are reported, and even fewer
are reported if the perpetrator is a relative.
MYTH
#6
The myth is that the child causes
the sexual abuse.
The fact is that the adult always has FULL responsibility.
A child may submit to abuse because of love of the abuser and in that, a desire
to please, gain approval from, or protect the abuser. A child may submit to
abuse because of feelings of powerlessness; lack of knowledge or fear. A child
may submit to abuse because of financial and/or emotional dependence upon the
perpetrator.
MYTH
#7
The myth is that perpetrators
are usually dirty, old, single, homosexual
men.
The fact is that around 97% of reported perpetrators are men. The typical offender
is married, heterosexual, and employed. It is almost impossible to identify
an abuser by appearance.
MYTH
#8
The myth is that the physical
injury of the child is the main focus
of treatment.
The fact is that the greatest injury in an abuse is long term emotional and
psychosocial damage. Only about 5% of sexual abuse cases present medical findings.
That is because abuse generally consists of exposing, stroking or touching,
or mutual masturbation which is often disguised as a game.
MYTH
#9
The myth is that young victims
will forget and therefore treatment
is not needed.
The fact is that all sexual abuse is not remembered through thoughts. Skin
sensations, emotions, and fear reactions which seem unreasonable are common
in adults who were abused as children. Those who lack specific memories are
more traumatized by not knowing reasons for their reactions.
MYTH
#10
The myth is that males cannot
control sexual feelings or behaviors.
The fact is that as with any impulse, or urge, it often takes self-discipline
and support to keep from acting on feelings.
MYTH
#11
The myth
is that female children can "seduce" adult
males.
The fact is that an adult is responsible for his actions, and is aware of consequences
for his behavior.
MYTH
#12
The myth is that the abuse occurs
because of drunkenness.
The fact is that drinking may lower
a person’s control. However,
drinking does not cause a person to
sexually abuse.
Resources
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Crimes Against Children Program
Jenkins, Phillip, Pedophiles and Priests, Oxford University Press: 1996.
McClendon, Patricia D., MSSW, "Incest/Sexual Abuse of Children",
1991
National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect
Prevent Child Abuse America, www.preventchildabuse.org
Sexual Abuse Task Force, Fort Wayne, IN
U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics on Child Sexual Abuse
World Wide Legal Information Association |
