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The sexual abuse of a child involves the development of a secret relationship between
an adult and a child that is used by the perpetrator to manipulate the child for the
perpetrator's sexual gratification. The perpetrator develops a relationship with the
child which becomes increasingly physical in nature by suggestions found in sexual
material or increasing displays of affection.
As the relationship evolves into one that includes sexual contact, a child becomes
stuck in an emotionally conflicting situation. They feel that they are to blame for the
circumstances that have developed and are fearful of crying for help due to threats
made by the perpetrator. The child eventually is physically and psychologically
ensnared by the perpetrator. Elizabeth Smart, for example, was told that members of
her family would be killed if she escaped from the captors who sexually exploited her.
Seeking to avoid the emotional conflict yet unable to disclose the abuse for any one of
numerous fears of harm, blame or retribution, the child may act out their distress
through poor school performance, truancy, conduct disorders, physical disorders with
limited physiological basis (headaches, stomach aches, etc.), and other disorders such
as attention deficit, depression, anxiety or eating disorders. The inability to develop
healthy adult relationships, due to self-defeating behavior that impairs intimate
relationships is frequently the ultimate, on-going consequence for the child who has
been victimized.
Children who have been sexually abused can be helped to recover and reverse
deleterious effects, regardless of their age, with the assistance of a professional
working in a safe environment.
an adult and a child that is used by the perpetrator to manipulate the child for the
perpetrator's sexual gratification. The perpetrator develops a relationship with the
child which becomes increasingly physical in nature by suggestions found in sexual
material or increasing displays of affection.
As the relationship evolves into one that includes sexual contact, a child becomes
stuck in an emotionally conflicting situation. They feel that they are to blame for the
circumstances that have developed and are fearful of crying for help due to threats
made by the perpetrator. The child eventually is physically and psychologically
ensnared by the perpetrator. Elizabeth Smart, for example, was told that members of
her family would be killed if she escaped from the captors who sexually exploited her.
Seeking to avoid the emotional conflict yet unable to disclose the abuse for any one of
numerous fears of harm, blame or retribution, the child may act out their distress
through poor school performance, truancy, conduct disorders, physical disorders with
limited physiological basis (headaches, stomach aches, etc.), and other disorders such
as attention deficit, depression, anxiety or eating disorders. The inability to develop
healthy adult relationships, due to self-defeating behavior that impairs intimate
relationships is frequently the ultimate, on-going consequence for the child who has
been victimized.
Children who have been sexually abused can be helped to recover and reverse
deleterious effects, regardless of their age, with the assistance of a professional
working in a safe environment.
 | Important signs to look for in | |
| identifying all types of child abuse are: |
| unexplained injuries |
| inadequate nutrition |
| failure to thrive |
| lack of supervision or abandonment |
| destructive behavior |
| sleep or speech disorders |
| difficulty walking or sitting |
| pain or bleeding from the genital area | |
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| Child Sexual Abuse |
Victim Assistance Centre
| If you are concerned that a child you know is a victim of abuse, call the police or child protective services. (Texas hot line (800) 252-5400 |
