Night after night, news reports and TV dramas relate the stories of sexual assault, child sexual abuse, and rape. So many stories, in fact, that it may become difficult to grasp the realities of the sexual abuse issue in this country.
The truth is, sexual abuse is a reality for millions of men, women, and children. And, it hits closer to home than many of us want to admit.
So, what are the facts concerning sexual abuse?
Here’s what you need to know:
First and foremost, sexual abuse is NEVER the fault of the victim.
The victim is forced into sexual contact without consent. A person may not give consent for a variety of reasons, including:
- The victim is a child.
- The victim is disabled, ill, or incapacitated by a substance.
- The victim has been threatened or manipulated into compliance.
There is no sexual abuse profile.
Anyone can be a sexual abuse victim, at any time, in any place. Young children, teenagers, adults, and senior citizens of any background can be victims at any school, workplace, home, or location in any community.
Sexual abuse is often perpetrated by a familiar face.
Trust and authority are used as weapons against victims in most sexual abuse situations. In most cases, the victims know their abuser.
Sexual abuse takes many forms.
The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) provides a comprehensive list which includes, but is not limited to, the following types of sexual abuse:
- Acquaintance Assault. Forced sexual activity under duress or threat of harm by someone the victim knows.
- Child Sexual Abuse. Contact that engages a child in any type of sexual activity at the abuser’s request, invitation, or direction.
- Drug Facilitated Sexual Violence. Sexual abuse in which the victim is forced to comply through drugs or alcohol.
- Incest. Sexual contact between closely related family members.
- Human Sexual Trafficking. The illegal, organized movement of individuals for the sake of commercial sexual exploitation.
- Partner Rape. Forced sexual acts committed against a perpetrator’s current partner, previous partner, or co-habitant.
- Stranger Rape. Forced sexual intercourse committed by a person unknown to the victim.
- A perpetrator secretly observes the victim, often naked or in intimate situations, for sexual gratification.
Sexual abuse is most often perpetrated against women and children. However, abuses against men and boys are reported now more than ever before.
According to the National Sexual Violence Center,
- 1 in 6 boys and 1 in 4 girls will be abused before their 18th birthday
- 1 in 5 women will experience rape before age 25.
- 27% of women and 12% of men report significant mental and physical effects of sexual abuse.
Disclosure of sexual abuse is often delayed or disguised.
Victims often hesitate to disclose abuse, fearing rejection or negative responses from loved ones, retaliation by the abuser, or shame.
- Males generally tend not to report sexual abuse.
- Nearly 20 million women in the U.S. experience rape during their lifetime. Yet, just 16% report it.
- Child sexual abuse victims often delay disclosure until adulthood or indirectly hint at abuse over time, resulting in a delay between disclosure and assistance.
Victims can recover from sexual abuse with guidance, information, and support.
With the help of a knowledgeable therapist and patient, nonjudgmental support systems, victims can process the abuse. With compassionate help, a sexual abuse victim can become a survivor.
Sexual abuse should not be a fact of life for so many.
Safety, respect, and an informed public are the keys to change.
Denise Kautzer is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Certified Public Accountant whose practice is located in St. Paul, MN. You can view her website at www.denisekautzer.com or contact her at denise@denisekautzer.com.