Childhood sexual abuse deprives the radiance of the children. It has debilitating effects on the victims. According to a survey of the Child Molestation Research and Prevention Institute, there are at least two out of every ten girls and one out of every ten boys who are sexually abused by the time they reach the age of 13.
"Child sexual abuse is an international problem of staggering proportions. In the UK, one in 20 children has been sexually abused and its effects in childhood and adulthood include anxiety, depression, post-trauma stress, problematic sexual behavior and suicide," John Carpenter, Professor of Social Work & Applied Social Science at the University of Bristol said.
Science Daily reports a new study that focuses on the importance of helping the victims of childhood sexual abuse. The researchers examined the Letting the Future, an NSPCC program that provides therapeutic support to the children aged 4 to 17 who have been sexually abused.
The therapeutic approaches of this program include creative approaches such as storytelling, drawing and painting. They also conversed with the victims -- giving them chance to express themselves and talk about their abuse experiences. The therapists advise them and let them come to understand what had happened and counsel them to move on. There is also an individual session for the victim's parents and a joint session with their children. The outcomes were promising and affirmative and most of them were able to come back in their normal life.
"These findings provide promising indications that the "Letting the Future In Interaction" can significantly reduce the highest levels of trauma experienced by children who have been sexually abused," Jon Brown, the NSPCC Head of Development and Impact said.
American Humane Association states that child sexual abuse includes sexual intercourse, touching sexual offenses, non-touching sexual offenses and sexual exploitation. It is an act of a person who forces a child to engage in any form of sexual contact.
Parents are advised to protect their children from this abuse by teaching their children about sexual behavior and when to say "No" if someone take advantage of them or touch their bodies in an abnormal way. It is also recommendable to leave your children to a person whom you trust and you think that your children are safe.
Support children who are abused sexually. If you know someone who is being abused, report it. You may be the only individual who can help her or him.
