2. Child Sexual Abuse: Definitions and Impact

3. I. Definition of Child Sexual Abuse The deliberate engagement of a child by a persin in a position of authority and trust (parent, family member, older sibling, other caregiver) in sexual activities for which the child is developmentally unprepared and cannot give informed consent.

4. II. Definition of Incest Incest is sexual contact or sexualized behavior by relatives and quasi-relatives (parents, step-parents, foster parents, etc) when the abuser is older or holds a position of power over the victim.

5. III. Prevalence of Child Sexual Abuse Child Protective Services –In 1986 50,714 cases were reported to CPS –In 1997, the figure increased to 223,650 Self-report Surveys –1000 adults in Gallup poll –23% of respondents reported having been touched in a sexual way or forced to have sex before age 18 by a family mmeber or someone outside the family –Women were 3 times as likely as men to self-report CSA Most estimates find that –At least 20% of women and 5-10% of men experience CSA in North America

6. IV. Model to Understand Impact PreAbuse Context for the Child Trauma-related aspects of the Stressors Post-trauma recovery Environment Developmental level of child Delayed onset of symptoms

7. V. Hypothesized Risk Factors for Abuse: Sociodemographic Risk Factors Mean age of children is 9-11 years old Girls more likely than boys to experience CSA Presence of a step-father Living without both natural parents for extended periods of time Intimate partner violence in the home Family isolation/residential mobility Parental history of sexual abuse

8. V. Hypothesized Risk Factors for Abuse: Sociodemographic Risk Factors contd. Mother employed outside the home/ or disabled or ill Having parents with alcohol, drug, or psychological problems Having few close friends Having poor relationship with one or both parents Children with cognitive disabilities

9. VI. Hypothesized Protective Factors Child’s Disposition/Personality Family Cohesion and Warmth External Support System

10. VII. PreConditions for Sexual Abuse  Motivation to Abuse  Overcoming Internal Inhibitors  Overcoming External Inhibitors  Overcoming the Resistance of the child

11. VIII. Dimensions of Sexual Abuse Leading to Different Outcomes Traumatic Sexualization Stigmatization Betrayal Powerlessness