Sexual Abuse Information Sexual Abuse

Sexual Abuse Information

Sexual abuse (often called molestation) is defined as any kind of unwanted or desired sexual acts between two people, so it can refer to child molestation, molestation between adults, or even between homosexual partners. Incest is a form of sexual abuse that occurs between family members.

Here are some startling statistics about sexual abuse that many people might not know:

Every two and a half minutes, somewhere in America, someone is sexually assaulted.

One in six American women are victims of sexual assault, and one in 33 men.

In 2004-2005, there were an average annual 200,780 victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.

About 44% of rape victims are under age 18, and 80% are under age 30" (Editors, 2006).

Sexual abuse does not have to culminate in the sex act; it can consist of harassment, elder abuse, or even stalking. It is any type of unwanted sexual behavior by one person directed toward another, and as the statistics show, many types of abuse are becoming more prevalent in our society. One of the most disturbing is child molestation, which seems to be making the news much more often these days.

There are several signs of sexual abuse that can give relatives and loved ones a clue to what is happening, especially in children or the elderly. They include aggressive behavior toward family members or pets, pain while eliminating or genital infections, bruises or trauma to the genital areas, loss of appetite or other eating problems, unusual fears, unexplained health problems, panic attacks, regression, fear of a certain person, or being alone with that person, withdrawal, and an increased interest in sex or sexual situations (Hughes, 2001). Even one or two of these signs could indicate some kind of sexual abuse, and the child or adults should then be investigated by health professionals.

There are ways to prevent sexual abuse. Perhaps one of the most important ways to prevent abuse from happening is to know who children spend time with, and listening to children, especially if they are trying to tell a parent something important. Talk to children about sexual abuse, and teach them body parts are private (Editors, 2000). Monitor children's Internet use and who they communicate with online, as well. Adults should be aware of their surroundings. Many rapes and assaults happen on college campuses. Many colleges offer campus escort services or shuttles during evening classes and late library hours. Use them, and avoid walking on campus alone after dark. In bars and at parties, do not drink from a beverage that has been left unattended, and do not drink from someone else's container. Do not attend a party alone, go with a group of friends, and do not allow yourself to be isolated with a stranger. Watch out for your friends on campus and in social situations, as well.