The month of april is child abuse prevention month and sexual assault awareness month. In this article, we tackle a subject that includes both issues - child sexual abuse.
Child sexual abuse includes a wide range of sexual behaviors that take place between a child and an older person. These behaviors are meant to arouse the older person in a sexual way.
In general, no thought is given to what effect the behavior may have on the child. For the most part, the abuser does not care about the reactions or choices of the child.
It is not always easy to tell whether a child has been sexually abused. Sexual abuse often occurs in secret, and there is not always physical proof of the abuse. For these reasons, child sexual abuse can be hard to detect.
Some child sexual abuse survivors may show symptoms of ptsd. They may behave in a nervous, upset way. Survivors may have bad dreams. They may act out aspects of the abuse in their play. They might show other fears and worries. Young children may lose skills they once learned and act younger than they are. For example, an abused child might start wetting the bed or sucking his or her thumb. Some sexual abuse survivors show out-of-place sexual behaviors that are not expected in a child. They may act seductive or they may not maintain safe limits with others. Children, especially boys, might “act out” with behavior problems. This could include being cruel to others and running away. Other children “act in” by becoming depressed. They may withdraw from friends or family. Older children or teens might try to hurt or even kill themselves.
Sexual abuse can be very confusing for children. For a child, it often involves being used or hurt by a trusted adult. The child might learn that the only way to get attention or love is to give something sexual or give up their self-respect. Some children believe the abuse is their fault somehow. They may think the abuser chose them because they must have wanted it or because there is something wrong with them. If the abuser was of the same sex, children (and parents) might wonder if that means they are “gay.
If childhood sexual abuse is not treated, long-term symptoms can go on through adulthood. These may include:
- PTSD and anxiety
- depression and thoughts of suicide
- sexual anxiety and disorders, including having too many or unsafe sexual partners
- difficulty setting safe limits with others (e.g., saying no to people) and relationship problems
- poor body image and low self-esteem
- unhealthy behaviors, such as alcohol, drugs, self-harm, or eating problems. These behaviors are often used to try to hide painful emotions related to the abuse.
What should you do if you think your child has been sexually abused? If a child says she or he has been abused, try to stay calm. Reassure the child that what happened is not their fault, that you believe her/him, that you are proud of her/him for telling you (or another person), and that you are there to keep them safe. Take your child to a mental health and medical professional right away.
Children can recover from sexual abuse and go on to live good lives. The best predictor of recovery is support and love from their main caregiver. As a parent or caregiver, you might also consider getting help for yourself. It is often very hard to accept that a child has been sexually abused. You will not be supporting your child, though, if you respond in certain unhelpful ways. For example, you will not be able to provide support if you are overwhelmed with your own emotions. Don’t downplay the abuse (“it wasn’t that bad”), but also try not to have extreme fears related to the abuse (“my child will never be safe again”). It will not help children if you force them to talk, or if you blame the child. Getting therapy for yourself can help you deal with your own feelings about the abuse. Then you might be better able to provide support to your child.
*Some information for this article was provided by the National Center for PTSD website.
How to Help a Child With PTSD
FROM NEWSMAX WEBSITE
A child that experiences PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder is not likely to come out and tell you they have a problem. But, often times. they exhibit signs that a watchful parent, guardian, or foster parent should look for. Perhaps a child that has witnessed a shooting will suddenly show a fascination with shooting games or a teen that has witnessed a school shooting will abruptly begin talking about taking a gun to school themselves.
Depending on how traumatic the stressor is, studies show that girls tend to develop post traumatic stress syndrome more than boys do. But, the qualifier that helps determine how radical the symptoms are include the parents reactions to the traumatic situation. Having parents that show resilience and perseverance, lack of open suffering, and open communication help a child through the difficult times that follow a traumatic situation.
Many people mistakenly think they shouldn't discuss the traumatic event with a child because it would be too hurtful to remember it again. However, the child needs to be taught different ideas about the trauma. For example, after witnessing a shooting or war events, the child may be thinking that the world is an unsafe place and that nothing good is ever going to happen again. Thinking about the trauma needs to be compartmentalized and thought about during a relaxed moment so that the child need not fear the memories.
Letting children know that their reactions are normal and expected are key in helping children with PTSD. For both teens and school age children, showing comfort and support, listening when they want to talk and referring them to professionals when the symptoms become inappropriate or dangers are the best things you can do for them. For younger children, a consistent loving atmosphere, a professional with experience with play therapy with younger children and routine follow through are helpful in assisting the child in overcoming the traumatic situations that scarred them early in life.
By keeping a watchful eye and responding early to the symptoms, a loving family, watchful teachers, and experienced therapists can help a child who has seen to much early in life overcome their experiences and move on to a happier childhood.
© Newsmax All rights reserved.
FROM NEWSMAX WEBSITE
A child that experiences PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder is not likely to come out and tell you they have a problem. But, often times. they exhibit signs that a watchful parent, guardian, or foster parent should look for. Perhaps a child that has witnessed a shooting will suddenly show a fascination with shooting games or a teen that has witnessed a school shooting will abruptly begin talking about taking a gun to school themselves.
Depending on how traumatic the stressor is, studies show that girls tend to develop post traumatic stress syndrome more than boys do. But, the qualifier that helps determine how radical the symptoms are include the parents reactions to the traumatic situation. Having parents that show resilience and perseverance, lack of open suffering, and open communication help a child through the difficult times that follow a traumatic situation.
Many people mistakenly think they shouldn't discuss the traumatic event with a child because it would be too hurtful to remember it again. However, the child needs to be taught different ideas about the trauma. For example, after witnessing a shooting or war events, the child may be thinking that the world is an unsafe place and that nothing good is ever going to happen again. Thinking about the trauma needs to be compartmentalized and thought about during a relaxed moment so that the child need not fear the memories.
Letting children know that their reactions are normal and expected are key in helping children with PTSD. For both teens and school age children, showing comfort and support, listening when they want to talk and referring them to professionals when the symptoms become inappropriate or dangers are the best things you can do for them. For younger children, a consistent loving atmosphere, a professional with experience with play therapy with younger children and routine follow through are helpful in assisting the child in overcoming the traumatic situations that scarred them early in life.
By keeping a watchful eye and responding early to the symptoms, a loving family, watchful teachers, and experienced therapists can help a child who has seen to much early in life overcome their experiences and move on to a happier childhood.
© Newsmax All rights reserved.
Run time: 20:34, in 4 parts
Information on the impact of trauma on children and schools, normal and prolonged stress responses, assessment considerations, and intervention models.
From Operation SAFE
Recent events in the Middle East have brought turmoil and trauma into the lives of children in the region. While adults engage in the serious drama of protest, opposition, and resistance, children are caught up in the middle of it all. A recent UNICEF report on psycho-support for children caught in violence states,
“The most seriously affected young people are the tens of thousands of children who live and work on the streets of Cairo and other major cities. Testimony from children living in the streets indicates that they were exposed to severe violence, witnessing people killed and badly injured.”
While these children are both the most vulnerable and least served, the report also quotes Dr Hashem Bahary, professor of psychology at Al-Azhar University, as saying “up to 30 per cent of Egyptian children may suffer from anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsion.” Certainly children are being affected similarly in many other countries across the region. Not only those who are caught up in the violence but also those witnessing the events in their country through television, radio, and the response of their communities and relatives.
What Are Some Do’s and Don’ts to Help A Child Recover from Trauma?
1. Let’s Talk About It!
• Don’t leave the child to interpret what is happening around them on their own.
2. There is Always Hope!
• Do emphasize to children the hope that things are going to get better.
In the midst of all of the chaos and violence the hope of lasting change is the bright point of the recent turmoil. For children who have experienced significant loss, the loss of hope can lead to depression and long-term problems, but hope can be regained if consistently expressed by caring adults.
• Don’t dwell on the significant problems that still remain.
Adults know that the struggle for freedom is only the beginning. There are many obstacles to overcome in nations that have long been suffering. However, if children constantly hear how difficult it will be they can become discouraged and see the situation as hopeless. Most importantly, they need to hear that although there are still challenges, the family will face them together.
3. Get Back to Living Life!
• Don’t allow events to continue to disrupt children’s lives.
It can be tempting to put life on hold while events play out but for children the normal routine of life is comforting and familiar. Be careful not to let constant news reports interrupt with news of more trauma.
• Do return to normal routines as much as possible.
Try to re-establish the natural rhythm of life, with as normal as possible times for waking up, eating, studying, playing and sleeping. Show children that normal life goes on even in abnormal circumstances.
Information on the impact of trauma on children and schools, normal and prolonged stress responses, assessment considerations, and intervention models.| Title of Section | Run Time | Windows Media | Transcript - pdf |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction | (5:42) | Video (8 MB) | Part 1 |
| Children and Trauma | (4:59) | Video (7MB) | Part 2 |
| Teachers Role | (4:19) | Video (6 MB) | Part 3 |
| Art Therapy | (5:34) | Video (8 MB) | Part 4 |
NOTE: For information on how to download Windows Media Player or turn on closed captioning please refer to the Video Help page. NCPTSD videos are not for sale of distribution.
FE
Recent events in the Middle East have brought turmoil and trauma into the lives of children in the region. While adults engage in the serious drama of protest, opposition, and resistance, children are caught up in the middle of it all. A recent UNICEF report on psycho-support for children caught in violence states,
While these children are both the most vulnerable and least served, the report also quotes Dr Hashem Bahary, professor of psychology at Al-Azhar University, as saying “up to 30 per cent of Egyptian children may suffer from anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsion.” Certainly children are being affected similarly in many other countries across the region. Not only those who are caught up in the violence but also those witnessing the events in their country through television, radio, and the response of their communities and relatives.
What Are Some Do’s and Don’ts to Help A Child Recover from Trauma?
1. Let’s Talk About It!
• Don’t leave the child to interpret what is happening around them on their own.
Children pick up on the fear, uncertainty, and strong emotions that adults express but lack understanding of the details. They can also misinterpret the anger of adults as being somehow their fault.
• Do take time to explain events in language that the child can understand, and at a level of detail that is appropriate.
Simply talking about what is happening in reassuring tones can relieve stress and help a child to recover. Even though they don’t understand everything they know that they are safe and cared for.2. There is Always Hope!
• Do emphasize to children the hope that things are going to get better.
In the midst of all of the chaos and violence the hope of lasting change is the bright point of the recent turmoil. For children who have experienced significant loss, the loss of hope can lead to depression and long-term problems, but hope can be regained if consistently expressed by caring adults.
• Don’t dwell on the significant problems that still remain.
Adults know that the struggle for freedom is only the beginning. There are many obstacles to overcome in nations that have long been suffering. However, if children constantly hear how difficult it will be they can become discouraged and see the situation as hopeless. Most importantly, they need to hear that although there are still challenges, the family will face them together.
3. Get Back to Living Life!
• Don’t allow events to continue to disrupt children’s lives.
It can be tempting to put life on hold while events play out but for children the normal routine of life is comforting and familiar. Be careful not to let constant news reports interrupt with news of more trauma.
• Do return to normal routines as much as possible.
Try to re-establish the natural rhythm of life, with as normal as possible times for waking up, eating, studying, playing and sleeping. Show children that normal life goes on even in abnormal circumstances.
