Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse refers to any interaction or behavior between an adult or older individual and a child or adolescent for the purpose of sexual gratification, exploitation, or coercion. It encompasses a wide range of behaviors and actions that can cause harm to the child, both physically and psychologically. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what constitutes child sexual abuse:
Physical Contact Abuse
This involves any form of physical contact between the perpetrator and the child that is sexual in nature, including:
Touching: Inappropriate touching of a child’s genitalia, breasts, buttocks, or other sensitive areas.
Sexual Intercourse: Forced or coerced sexual intercourse or penetration, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Fondling: Groping or fondling a child’s body in a sexual manner.
Masturbation: Forcing a child to engage in sexual acts with the perpetrator or themselves.
Non-Physical Contact Abuse
Child sexual abuse can also occur without direct physical contact. This includes:
Exposure: Forcing a child to witness sexual acts or exposing them to pornography.
Sexual Harassment: Making sexually explicit comments, sending sexually explicit messages, or engaging in sexually suggestive behavior towards a child.
Online Child Sexual Abuse: Exploiting children through the internet for sexual purposes, such as grooming, soliciting sexual images, or engaging in sexual conversations.
Child Sexual Exploitation
Child sexual exploitation is a type of child sexual abuse. It happens when a child or young person is coerced, manipulated or deceived into sexual activity in exchange for things that they may need or want like gifts, drugs, money, status and affection. Children and young people are often tricked into believing they’re in a loving and consensual relationship so the sexual activity may appear consensual. This is called grooming and is a type of abuse. They may trust their abuser and not understand that they’re being abused. CSE does not always involve physical contact, and can also occur through the use of technology.
Age Discrepancy
Child sexual abuse and exploitation typically involves an age or power imbalance between the perpetrator and the child, with the perpetrator being significantly older or in a position of authority or trust over the child.
Consent
Children cannot give consent to sexual activity due to their age and developmental stage. Even if a child appears to give consent, it is not considered valid because of their vulnerability and inability to fully understand the consequences of their actions.