1. Child Sexual Abuse- What Parents Need to Know
Danielle Mosher, BA
Coordinator of Prevention & Advocacy
Sexual Assault Service Center
Guardian Angel Community Services

2. Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)
The sexual exploitation or victimization of a child by an adult or older child
Examples:
Abusers touches the child sexually
Child is forced to touch the abuser
Forcing a child to watch pornography
Watching a child undress or bathe***
Exposing oneself to a child
Performing sexual acts on or with a child

3. Statistics
One in four girls and one in six boys are sexually abused before the age of 18.
The largest number of sexually abused children are between the ages of 8 and 11 years old
Children with disabilities are four times more likely to be abused than those without
Once a child has been abused they are at an increased risk of being abused again

4. Statistics
It is estimated that only 1 in 10 victims of child sexual abuse ever disclose their abuse
≥90% of victims know their perpetrators
Men who abuse girls average 19.8 victims; Men who abuse boys average victims

5. Effects of CSA Shame Guilt/Self-Blame Difficulty trusting others
Low self-esteem
Cognitive deficits
Depression
Mental health problems
PTSD (Rape Trauma Syndrome)
Poor school performance
Re-victimization
Unhealthy relationships
Self harm
Substance abuse
Suicide

6. Erin’s Law Illinois Law requiring:
Child sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention
PreK-12th grade public school students
Named after Erin Merryn

7. Perpetrators Anyone can be a perpetrator Females
Fathers, step-fathers and father figures most common
Girls in homes with mom’s live-in boyfriend or male family friend are most at risk
Perpetrators look for single mothers-gain access
**Stranger Danger**
Females commit 20-44% of abuse against boys, 5% of abuse against females

8. Perpetrators and Grooming
Grooming: a process of manipulation, deceit, bribery and/or force used by child sexual abuse perpetrators
Perpetrators are SKILLED manipulators
Perpetrators not only work to gain trust of child but also of parent/guardian
Internet Predators**

9. Grooming Tactics Compliments and Flattery
Offer friendship and protection
Treat the child as older than they are
May initiate abuse by playing games
Intimidation
Secrecy

10. Indicators of CSA Physical: STD’s in a child Pregnancy at an early age
Frequent UTI’s
Genital injuries
Blood in underwear

11. Indicators of CSA (cont.)
Behavioral
Sexual knowledge that is not age appropriate
Sexualized play/language
Changes in behavior
Toileting accidents
Aversion to go home
Child discloses abuse

12. Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
Open communication
Body parts
Safe touch/unsafe touch
Safe secrets/unsafe secrets
Self-esteem
Respect children’s boundaries
Intuition

13. Preventing CSA (cont.) Some Parts Are Not For Sharing
Recommended books:
Some Parts Are Not For Sharing
Those Are My Private Parts
Your Body Belongs to You

14. Reasons Children Don’t Tell
Don’t know abuse is wrong
May feel good
Are told it is ok
Feel it is their fault
Don’t know who/how to tell
Love/care for the perpetrator
Threatened by perpetrator
Fear they won’t be believed
Afraid of hurting people/getting people in trouble

15. Domestic Violence Domestic Violence
A pattern of physically, sexually, and/or emotionally abusive or controlling behavior. The violence can be aimed towards ADULTS AND CHILDREN.
Physical (Hitting, kicking, choking, slapping)
Emotional (Put-downs, controlling behavior, isolation, name-calling)
Digital (checking phone/ , harassing phone calls/texts, insults via social media)
Sexual (assault, molestation, sexual harassment)
Physical: Includes threats of harm to self or others, playing rough
Emotional: Isolation, Jealous, Possessiveness, Put Downs, Double Standard, Name Calling, Controlling Behaviors
Sexual: ANY unwanted sexual contact: kissing, hugging, fondling, reproductive manipulation
Digital: Facebook, constant texting, searching someone’s phone

16. Statistics Every 9 seconds in the US a woman is assaulted or beaten.
Around the world, at least one in every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Most often, the abuser is a member of her own family.
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women—more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
Studies suggest that up to 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence annually.
Nearly 1 in 5 teenage girls who have been in a relationship said a boyfriend threatened violence or self-harm if presented with a breakup.

17. The Cycle of Violence Honeymoon Tension Building Violence/Explosion
Back to Honeymoon

18. Where Can I Get Help Sexual Assault Service Center (815)730-8984
Groundwork Domestic Violence Program (815)
Danielle Mosher, BA
, ext. 1536