Child Sexual Abuse Research Articles

Teachers’ knowledge on child sexual abuse in Hubei Province, China.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to investigate the knowledge of teachers on the subject of child sexual abuse(CSA) and to analyze its influencing factors in China. Study design: This is a school-based cross-sectional study. This study investigated teachers in rural area of Hubei province (central China) during May to June 2016. A multi-stage cluster sampling was conducted. Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was utilized to assess teachers’ knowledge on CSA among 449 teachers in Hubei Province, China. Results: The good knowledge rate of rural teachers on child sexual abuse was 70.6%. The top 3 of the right answer rate items were “A person who has sexually assaulted a child will most likely violate the child again (86.9%)”, “For CSA, it's the offender's fault (85.3%)” and “CSA exists around the world (84.2%)”. Male’s (73.5%) right answer rate of the item “Women are also likely to have sexual assault on children” is higher than female’s (59.4%), and the difference was statistically significant(χ2=10.050, P=0.002). The right answer rate of the item “People who abuse children sexually are not necessarily men（28.5%）” was lowest. The results showed that only position at school (χ2=11.999, P=0.007) was significant difference between the teacher’s knowledge among CSA. Conclusions: The study revealed teachers’ general lack of knowledge regarding CSA in China. Relevant departments should pay attention to the education of CSA to improve teachers’ knowledge of it.

The Prevalence and Influencing Factors of Child Sexual Abuse among School Students in Rural Central China: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global public health problem, which has a significant impact, and the situation is not optimistic. Objectives: The aim was to investigate the prevalence rate and influencing factors of CSA among school-aged children in rural central China. Participants and Setting: Participants were recruited from rural schools to reflect the prevalence rate of CSA in Hubei Province in China. A total of 3,940 (2,085 boys and 1,855 girls) school-aged rural children in central China participated in this study. Methods: The prevalence rate and influencing factors of CSA were tested through the utilization of anonymous and self-administered questionnaires, which collected the demographic information of the participants and the contact and non-contact types of CSA incidents. Results: The prevalence rate of CSA in the survey was 15.3%. Findings from multivariate analysis indicated that gender (OR=0.428, 95%CI: 0.355~0.517, reference: boy), study level at school (OR=1.597，95%CI: 1.414~1.805, reference: primary school) and whether the respondent was a left-behind child (OR=1.238，95%CI: 1.014~1.511, reference: non-left-behind child) were significantly associated with CSA. Conclusions: The prevalence rate of CSA among the participants was relatively high. Boys, senior high school students and left-behind children were more likely to be sexually abused. The provision of systematic sexual education to these high-risk groups will help reduce the prevalence of CSA.

The Influence of Family Adaptability and Cohesion on Child Sexual Abuse Among Middle School Students in Rural Areas, Central China

Aim: To investigate associations between family cohesion and adaptability level of secondary school students and the prevalence of CSA. Method: A retrospective study conducted in the rural middle school in Hubei province, central China. The correlation between the prevalence and family cohesion and adaptability, risk factors of CSA were tested by an anonymous self-completed questionnaire and FACES II-CV 3082 middle school students. Result: The total ratio of CSA is 20.8%. Boys (25.7% vs 14.9%, P<0.05), senior school students (25.4% vs 17.4%, P<0.05) and left-behind children (22.0% vs 18.0%, P<0.05) got higher rate of CSA. After adjustment for potential confounders, logistic regression analysis showed separated (AOR = 0.72, 95%CI:0.53-0.98), connected (AOR = 0.50, 95% CI:0.37-0.69) and enmeshed (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI:0.34-0.67), chaotic (AOR = 0.51, 95% CI:0.34-0.76) were associated with reduced odds of child sexual abuse. Conclusion: The prevalence of CSA was relatively high in rural area, central China. Family adaptability and cohesion level of middle school students were associated with prevalence of CSA.

Global, regional and national burden of depressive disorders and attributable risk factors, from 1990 to 2021: results from the 2021 Global Burden of Disease study.

Depressive disorders pose a significant global public health challenge, yet evidence on their burden remains insufficient. To report the global, regional and national burden of depressive disorders and their attributable risk factors from 1990 to 2021. Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 were analyzed for 204 countries and territories from 1990 to 2021. We explored the age-standardised incidence, prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of depressive disorders by age, gender and sociodemographic index. In 2021, there were 357.44 million incident cases, 332.41 million prevalent cases and 56.33 million DALYs. Age-standardised rates for incidence, prevalence and DALYs were 4333.62, 4006.82 and 681.14 per 100 000 persons, with annual declines of 0.06%, 0.03% and 0.04%. Uganda, Greenland and Lesotho had the highest prevalence, while Spain, Mexico and Uruguay showed the largest increases. Greenland and Brunei Darussalam had the highest and lowest age-standardised DALYs rates, respectively. DALYs peaked in the 55-59 age group for men and 60-64 for women, with higher rates in women. Regionally, a U-shaped association was found between the sociodemographic index and DALYs rates. Population growth was the main driver for the increase in DALYs cases. Childhood maltreatment was the leading risk factor, with intimate partner violence affecting more females and childhood sexual abuse more males. Despite decreasing trends in incidence, prevalence and DALYs rates, absolute case numbers and age-standardised rates continue to increase for depressive disorders. Tackling childhood abuse and improving depressive disorder management are crucial to reducing future burdens.

The development and effects of an online parent sexuality education programme for preschool children in Türkiye

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop an online sexuality education programme for the parents of children aged 3–6 years, by enhancing their knowledge of sexuality education, their attitudes towards sexuality education, their use of positive communication during sexuality education, and their awareness of sexual abuse. A quantitative semi-experimental design, using a Solomon four-group model, was adopted. The sample consisted of 410 parents in Ankara, Türkiye. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Sexual Development Knowledge Scale, the Sexual Education Attitude Scale, the Sexual Communication Scale, and the Child Sexual Abuse Knowledge/Attitude for Parents Scale. The data were analysed using paired sample t-tests, independent sample t-test, and ANCOVA. The online Parental Sexuality Education Programme for the Preschool Period was found to have a significant effect on the sexual knowledge levels, attitudes, communication, and awareness of sexual abuse of the parents. According to findings of a follow-up test performed 12 weeks later, the programme exhibited retention in sexual development knowledge, positive attitudes towards sexual education, and sexual communication. Retention was not achieved in relation to sexual abuse knowledge/attitudes.

Adolescence Does Not Divert Sex Offending Adolescents of Color from Criminal Legal System Involvement

After the United States Civil War, during Reconstruction, Southern states targeted Black youth and men for incarceration and forced labor, often charging them with rape, spawning the Black male rapist myth. This study explores evidence of a Reconstruction-era ethos in present-day treatment of youth of color accused of sexual assault. Specifically, we examined effects of perpetrator age and race on legal outcomes in 382 alleged child sexual abuse cases. There were 291 adult perpetrators (91% men, M age = 34; 76% White, 20% Black, 2% biracial, 2% Latinx, and 1% Asian) and 91 adolescent perpetrators (96% boys, M age = 14; 73% White, 22% Black, 4% biracial, and 1% Latinx). Supporting hypotheses, adolescent (vs. adult) perpetrators were less frequently arrested or referred for prosecution—but only when they were White. In contrast, for perpetrators of color, being an adolescent (vs. an adult) did not reduce arrest or prosecutorial referral likelihood. Additionally, cases involving adolescents of color (vs. White adolescents) were more immediately criminally investigated. Thus, youthfulness does not proffer protection from criminal legal system involvement for adolescents of color accused of sex offending—evidence of modern and persistent racism rooted in a nation’s past.

THE EXPLOITATION STATUS OF WORKING SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN INDONESIA: A MULTILEVEL BINARY LOGISTIC REGRESSION ANALYSIS

Many children in Indonesia are exploited in the workforce. In 2022, 12.22 percent of school-age children worked more than 40 hours per week. Children are considered exploited if they work more than 20 hours a week. Children who work for a long time have serious impacts. This study aims to determine a general picture of the exploitation of working school-age children in Indonesia and its influence factors. This study uses the March 2023 Socioeconomic Survey (SUSENAS) data by utilizing multilevel analysis specifically the two-level binary logistic regression method. The study results showed that 54.22 percent of school-age children are working and exploited in Indonesia. The individual and regional contextual factors that are significantly associated with the exploitation status of working school-age children are age, sex, education level, education of household head, sex of household head, employment status of household head, Smart Indonesia Programme (PIP) ownership status, family size, expected years of schooling (HLS), and poverty level. This study finds that increasing age, male sex, lack of access to the PIP, low household head education, female-headed households, unemployed household heads, and larger household sizes increased the likelihood of child exploitation. Moreover, children residing in districts with lower HLS scores had a higher chance of being exploited. These findings highlight the importance of considering both individual and regional contextual factors when addressing child exploitation. A two-level binary logistic regression model with random effects provides a better fit than the intercept-only model. Therefore, it is recommended to prioritize interventions for children without access to the PIP and those from household heads with low education levels. Furthermore, programs emphasizing the importance of education for children should be strengthened.

Exploring Bondage-Discipline, Dominance-Submission and Sadomasochism (BDSM)

IntroductionThe acronym BDSM combines terms describing various consensual sexual practices: bondage and discipline (B/D), dominance and submission (D/S), and sadism and masochism (S/M). In recent years, interest in BDSM culture has grown, both socially—likely driven by the popularity of related books and films—and academically.Purpose of the workThis article aims to compile the most recent information on BDSM (bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism) based on the latest available literature.Materials and MethodsThe PubMed database was searched for scientific articles in which the term "BDSM" appeared in the title, abstract, or keywords. Due to the limited number of publications on this topic, the search was restricted to articles published between 2014 and 2024.Results and ConclusionsThe prevalence of BDSM varies widely in studies, ranging from a few percent of the population to nearly half. Studies suggest a potential link between childhood sexual abuse and a heightened interest in BDSM, particularly among women who take on submissive roles. Societal stigma and widespread misconceptions about BDSM practices continue to have a negative impact on those who engage in them. Authors emphasize the necessity of further research on BDSM practices due to the limited and sometimes contradictory findings, particularly regarding the prevalence of BDSM interest and hormonal changes resulting from these practices.

Exhibitionism - a review of research

Introduction and Objective: Exhibitionism is a paraphilic behavior characterized by a persistent or recurrent tendency to expose one’s genitalia to strangers, typically without the intention of further interaction. The aim of this publication is to discuss various aspects of exhibitionism based on the latest literature. Review Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed database to identify scientific articles containing the term “exhibitionism” in their title, abstract, or keywords. The search focused on articles published between 2014 and 2024, with an emphasis on studies exploring the etiology, prevalence, and treatment of exhibitionism.Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: While often linked to sexual excitement and followed by masturbation, exibitionism is more commonly observed in men. Research highlights several potential risk factors for exhibitionistic disorder, including childhood sexual or emotional abuse, hypersexuality, and sexual preoccupation. Neurobiological, cognitive, and social mechanisms are believed to underlie the development of these tendencies. Treatment of exhibitionistic disorder primarily involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Pharmacological approaches are also employed to manage symptoms by modulating serotonergic transmission. Summary: Although relatively uncommon, exhibitionistic disorder has significant implications for individuals and society, underscoring the need for improved awareness, accurate prevalence estimates, and expanded access to effective treatment interventions. Further investigation into the true prevalence of exhibitionistic disorder is warranted, as current estimates may be imprecise.

Exploring voyeurism: a review of research

Introduction and Objective: Voyeurism is characterized by recurrent and intense sexual arousal derived from observing unsuspecting individuals who are naked, disrobing, or engaging in sexual activity. Suggested risk factors for developing voyeurism include childhood sexual abuse, substance misuse, hypersexuality, emotional dysregulation, poor mental health, maladaptive coping strategies, and external pressures The aim of this publication is to discuss various aspects of voyeurism based on the latest literature.Review Methods: The PubMed database was searched to find scientific articles in which the terms “voyeurism” or “voyeuristic” appear in the title, abstract, or keywords.Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: Estimating the global prevalence of voyeurism is challenging due to inconsistent data, with reported rates ranging from over 10% to approximately 30–40%. Studies consistently indicate that voyeuristic behavior is more common among men. It often exhibits a compulsive and repetitive nature and can serve as a precursor to other sexual crimes, such as sexual sadism or pedophilia. Treatment primarily involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with pharmacological support using SSRIs like fluoxetine and paroxetine, showing effectiveness. Summary: The authors highlight the importance of further exploration into this topic and emphasize the need for a more accurate understanding of voyeurism's prevalence in the general population, as current data may be inconclusive.

Growing up without violence (GWV): Study protocol for a cluster randomised trial and process evaluation of a school-based intervention preventing adolescent sexual exploitation in Brazil.

Sexual exploitation of children and adolescents (SECA) is a mostly invisible phenomenon, having negative impacts on adolescents' health and well-being.. There is increasing awarenessof preventative strategies to reduce sexual exploitation of children and adolescents, but limited evidence on their effectiveness and mechanisms. This project addresses this gap through the impact and process evaluation of 'Growing Up Without Violence' (GWV), the largest intervention in Brazil tackling SECA. We will conduct a two-arm cluster randomised trial (CRT) with parallel assignment in the municipalities of Cabo de Santo Agostinho and Jaboatão dos Guararapes, in Brazil. We will randomly allocate 30 schools to intervention and 30 to wait-list control arms. In each of these schools, we will randomly select independent samples of seventy students (aged 12 to 17) to participate in baseline and endline surveys. We will invite students to self-complete pre-programmed questionnaires in a private school space, under the supervision of trained researchers. Our main analysis is a cross-sectional comparison between control and intervention schools of students' levels of basic knowledge for identifying appropriate and inappropriate sexual advances and acts (primary outcome). Secondary outcomes include knowledge of risks of online sexual exploitation, willingness to report incidents of sexual abuse and exploitation, and recall of exposure SECA preventive training content. To our knowledge, this is the first large-scale rigorous evaluation of an intervention to prevent SECA in Brazil. Findings will inform our strategies and future interventions to prevent SECA.

Cognitions and emotions about child sexual abuse (CECSA): development of a self-report measure to predict bias in child sexual abuse investigations

ABSTRACT A biased mindset can foster confirmatory reasoning and suggestive questioning when adults talk to children about abuse suspicions in child-protection, healthcare, educational or investigative settings. We developed a self-report instrument on Cognitions and Emotions about Child Sexual Abuse (CECSA) that may predict individual propensity for a bias toward the abuse hypothesis. Three subscales, 23 items in total, were created in a sample of 801 students of human sciences via exploratory factor analysis and Ant Colony Optimization. The ‘Naive Confidence’ subscale reflects overestimating one's ability to recognize abused children and overestimating the accuracy of children’s abuse reports, the ‘Emotional Reactivity’ subscale measures the intensity of one's emotional reactions towards the topic of child sexual abuse (CSA), and the ‘Justice System Distrust’ subscale covers distrusting the justice system’s ability to prosecute CSA. The CECSA showed adequate model fit and good internal consistencies. Correlations with other self-report measures demonstrated convergent validity. All subscales predicted biased evaluations towards the abuse hypothesis in scenarios of children displaying unspecific behavioral problems. Given context-specific validations, the CECSA may be used to evaluate training programs or to assess training needs of professionals who talk to children about CSA suspicions.

Child sexual grooming: Listening to victims in Jordan.

Little is known about sexual grooming among children in Arab-Islamic countries. Accessing victims of child sexual abuse in such a context is challenging; however, qualitative secondary analysis provides a framework for exploring this phenomenon. This study employed qualitative secondary analysis to identify sexual grooming behavior and strategies based on the statements made by Jordanian children. The primary dataset comprised 13 verbatim transcripts of forensic investigative statements of child victims aged 6-18years with an Arabic Islamic background. These statements were obtained from the Family Protection Department of Amman, Jordan. The statements were translated from Arabic to English and subjected to independent inductive thematic analysis and deductive analysis using the 2020 Sexual Grooming Model developed by Winters, Jeglic, and Kaylor as a framework. Four stages of child sexual grooming, each with specific goals and strategies, were identified and contextualized using the model. However, specific, nuanced differences between the findings and the model were identified, highlighting the influence of Arab culture and Islamic religious interpretations on grooming in Jordan. Educational efforts should be undertaken to raise awareness among parents and children regarding grooming strategies and, specifically, how Arab culture and Islamic principles may be used to coerce children to comply with grooming and abuse or otherwise compel their silence out of fear of punishment.

The impact of sexual abuse in childhood on adolescents' non-suicidal self-injury behavior: A moderated mediation model.

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a well-established risk factor for a range of psychological and behavioral issues, including non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), making it a critical area of research for understanding adolescent mental health. Despite its prevalence, the mechanisms underlying their relationship remain insufficiently explored. This study aims to explore the relationship between CSA and NSSI behavior, as well as the mediating role of social avoidance and the moderating role of perceived family support. 1737 Chinese adolescents with a mean age of 14.86years (SD=1.65) from hospitals' psychiatric departments in nine provinces of China were recruited to complete surveys on CSA experiences, NSSI behavior, and social support. The results suggested that the effect of CSA on adolescent NSSI behavior was mediated by social avoidance, and the effect of CSA on social avoidance and NSSI behavior varied by the level of perceived family support. CSA led to social avoidance and increased risk for NSSI behavior. Higher levels of perceived family support had a protective effect, which reduced the motives of social avoidance and NSSI behavior. These findings revealed the risk of CSA and emphasized the role of social avoidance as an NSSI motive and the protective role of perceived family support for adolescents experiencing CSA. The clinical implications emphasize the need for interventions targeting family support and alternative coping strategies in the Chinese context. Additionally, future research should explore the complexity of intra- and extra-familial abuse and the roles of peer and professional support.

Magnitude of female child sexual abuse in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Child sexual abuse is a grave issue with significant consequences for the well-being and development of children worldwide. Understanding the scope of this problem is essential, particularly in Ethiopia, where protecting the nation's youth is crucial. Although child sexual abuse is a critical issue, there is a lack of comprehensive assessment of its prevalence and associated factors in Ethiopia. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting a meta-analysis and systematic review to explore the current prevalence and contributing factors of female child sexual abuse in Ethiopia. This study followed the PRISMA checklist, focusing on Ethiopian studies. Nine relevant studies were identified from databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Medline, and the Cochrane Library for the final meta-analysis and systematic review. The analysis was performed with STATA version 11, utilizing a structured checklist for data extraction. To assess heterogeneity, the Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 tests were employed. To check for publication bias, Egger's weighted regression, Begg's test, and a funnel plot were utilized. A total of 1230 research articles were initially identified for this systematic review and meta-analysis. After screening, nine studies met the eligibility criteria, with a combined sample size of 3930 children across all studies. The pooled prevalence of child sexual abuse among female students was 36.83% [95% CI: 24.35-49.32]. This meta-analysis identified several factors significantly associated with child sexual abuse: children living alone (OR=4.45, 95% CI: 2.65-7.46), living with friends (OR=3.49, 95% CI: 2.35-5.18), alcohol consumption (OR=2.72, 95% CI: 1.70-4.35), cigarette smoking (OR=3.83, 95% CI: 1.66-8.83), parental conflicts (OR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.43-4.36), lack of open discussion about reproductive health (OR=3.44, 95% CI: 1.84-6.42), and family control practices (OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.16-3.17). The pooled prevalence of child sexual abuse among female students (36.83%) highlights a critical need for focused preventive efforts. Key risk factors identified include living alone or with friends, alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, parental conflicts, limited reproductive health discussions, and controlling family practices. Addressing these through community education, family support, and open communication on reproductive health could help reduce abuse risk among vulnerable groups.

The Impact of Childhood Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse and Neglect on Suicidal Behavior and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Systematic Review of Meta-analyses

The Impact of Childhood Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse and Neglect on Suicidal Behavior and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Systematic Review of Meta-analyses

Barnahus Is Coming: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of How Child Sexual Abuse Services at a Dublin Hospital Adapt and Respond

Barnahus Is Coming: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis of How Child Sexual Abuse Services at a Dublin Hospital Adapt and Respond

Power Abuse in Child Sexual Abuse in Indonesia

Child sexual abuse (CSA) in Indonesia is a critical issue shaped by the dynamics of power abuse. This study examines how perpetrators, often trusted figures such as family members, educators, or community leaders, exploit their authority to commit sexual abuse against children. Using a multiple case study approach, the research analyzes 15 cases from various regions in Indonesia. The findings reveal that CSA frequently involves the manipulation of power through threats, inducements, and the exploitation of cultural or religious norms. Contributing factors such as patriarchal norms, social stigma, and institutional weaknesses exacerbate the vulnerability of victims and hinder their access to justice. Framed within Michel Foucault’s theory, the power dynamics in these cases encompass hierarchies, normalization of violence, and discursive control. Perpetrators leverage their authority to instill fear and silence victims, while gaps in legal systems and patriarchal cultural values reinforce impunity. The long-term impact on victims includes psychological trauma, social stigma, and diminished quality of life. The study recommends strengthening child protection systems through public awareness campaigns, responsive reporting mechanisms, psychosocial support, and stricter oversight of educational and religious institutions to prevent and address CSA holistically.

Deafening Echoes: Lived Experiences of Adult Survivors of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children

Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) is a global phenomenon of technology-facilitated sexual violence that has become prevalent in the Philippines. This exploratory qualitative study aimed to establish an in-depth understanding of the enduring effect of OSAEC victimization and utilize the phenomenological perspectives to identify key components of a trauma intervention for the population. Specifically, in-depth interviews were held with 5 adult survivors who were initially screened for trauma and 5 psychologists who are providing therapy to survivors of sexual violence. The themes showed that adult survivors of OSAEC face instability across various aspects of their life, including financial constraints, complex family relationships, huge family responsibilities, and health issues. Furthermore, they manifest persistent trauma symptoms such as hounding fears, intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, negative affect and cognitions. Feelings of shame and stigma related to their past experiences likewise contribute to social isolation and emotional distress. Despite these challenges, the survivors demonstrate resilience through supportive relationships and faith-based coping. Facilitating the recovery of the survivors necessitate an integrative and survivor-focused therapeutic intervention that addresses the digital aspects of the abuse; builds skills in coping and emotional regulation; and fosters resilience. At the family and community level, empowerment is needed through advocacy and education to enable them to provide support and healthy environment for survivors to thrive. The recovery programs must likewise be anchored on responsive institutional systems around the survivors.

Child Sexual Abuse in Focus: A Case Study on Case Management in a Selected Local Government Unit in Metro Manila

This study explores the processes and challenges faced by Local Government Unit (LGU) social workers in the Philippines when managing cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) under a child rights-based framework. It seeks to identify the facilitating and hindering factors that influence the application of case management protocols for CSA survivors, examining the impact of professional, organizational, political, and cultural aspects in a selected LGU in Metro Manila. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered through a Rapid Assessment Instrument (RAI) survey of 28 LGU social workers, supplemented by qualitative in-depth and key informant interviews with additional stakeholders. Findings indicate that variability in case management practices is influenced by resource limitations, levels of political support, and cultural attitudes toward CSA, underscoring the need for enhanced training, resources, and support at the LGU level.