Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse Research Articles

State Responsibility in Providing Legal Protection against Child Victims of Sexual Violence

The background of this study discusses the state's responsibility to provide legal protection for children who have been sexually abused, while social norms still reveal the blurred norms between the rules and the implementation. The problem problem with this study is the urgency of the state's responsibility to provide legal protection to child victims of sexual abuse and state responsibility to provide legal protection against child abuse. The approach method used in this study is a normative-law study, which is a study that examines law regulations, legal principles, and also a theory or doctrine of law. The study also employed a constitutional approach and a case approach. The conclusion of this study is the rights of children who are victims of criminal ACTS accommodated by 2017 government government regulation no. 43 year 2017 on the implementation of restitution to children who are victims of criminal crimes, and there is yet another flawless flaw in the forced efforts of the implementation of restitution by the perpetrator to the child who has committed the crimes, If the perpetrator fails to render a court ruling of consistent force.

Predictors of Skeptical Responses to Disclosures of Childhood Sexual Abuse.

Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) may be met with skeptical responses when they disclose their experience. The fear of such a response means that most victims delay telling anyone about the abuse. The aim of this study was to explore how contextual factors of abuse such as victim gender and age, perpetrator gender, and victim-perpetrator relationship affect a response to CSA. Further, we explored what personality traits may predict a skeptical response. An online questionnaire with 357 undergraduate students asked participants to read a vignette describing CSA, and to indicate the extent to which they believed the vignette, whether they blamed the victim or perpetrator, and what punishment they would recommend for the perpetrator. Results indicated that older victims were less likely to be believed and more likely to be blamed than younger victims. Further, we found more blame was placed on a perpetrator of intrafamilial abuse compared with extrafamilial abuse, but only if the perpetrator was male. Female perpetrators were punished less harshly than male perpetrators, but female intrafamilal perpetrators received harsher punishment than female extrafamilial perpetrators. No such effect was found for male perpetrators. Openness to Experience was associated with a more supportive response to CSA, as was Agreeableness. Implications and future directions are discussed.

A Comparative Study on Child Abuse and the Absence of Legal Protections for Male Child Sex Abuse Victims in Major South East Asian countries

The focal point of this paper is in highlighting the grim picture in dominant Asian countries China, India, and Pakistan where no practical application of the law is found to protect against the sexual abuse of children, particularly underage boys. An analysis regarding the conditions of sexual abuse in the aforementioned countries is carried out using the scarce reports issued by national governments, which will be supplemented with information from prominent NGOs and media reports. Thereafter, certain gaps in the justice system and law enforcement are identified. Simultaneously, the Western perspective is studied to ascertain how this issue is being addressed in Western societies and to what extent this heinous crime has impacted the lives of individuals. Finally, there is deliberation as to what the East could learn from Western practices for curbing the often-hidden menace of male child sex abuse. Keywords: Child abuse, Child sex abuse, Comparative study, Eastern practice, Gaps in justice system, Law enforcement, Male child abuse, Media reports

Child sexual abuse: increasing pandemic incidence

Introduction: The increase of violence against children is characterized as a serious public health problem. The media has continuously reported cases of: rape perpetrated against children, increased violence against this age group and alarming epidemiological data resulting from the isolation of the pandemic by SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Studies were identified using large-circulation international journals found in two electronic databases: Scopus and Embase. Results: Cases of harassment, rape, manipulation of the child's genitals, oral, anal or genital penetration, pedophilia, exploitation, dissemination of erotic images of children in social networks, exhibitionism, masturbation, Voyeurism and incestuous abuse are classified as child sexual abuse. The numbers of legal abortions in child and adolescent victims of rape tends to increase a 100% taking into account the in the first cases of 2020. Conclusion: discussions for the implementation of public policies and healthcare for children victims of sexual abuse are important for prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration into the society, considering all the sequel that this vulnerable group acquires after the crime.

Current of Child Sexual Abuse in Asia: A Systematic Review of Prevalence, Impact, Age of First Exposure, Perpetrators, and Place of Offence

BACKGROUND: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a serious global problem and challenge for all people because it increases the risk of various issues. AIM: This study investigated the CSA in Asian countries focusing on prevalence rates, impact, victim’s age of first exposure, type of CSA, perpetrator, and places of CSA offence. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Medline, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, ClinicalKey, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, and manual search for studies published between January 2011 and November 2020. Only articles related to CSA in Asia were included in this review. RESULTS: The results showed that prevalence of CSA ranged from 2.2% - 94% for girls and 1.7% - 49.5% for boys. The prevalence rates for non-contact abuse were 12.6% - 56.5% for girls and 0.7% - 68.7% for boys; contact abuse was 5.3% - 67.2% for girls and 2.2% - 53.3% for boys; penetrating abuse was 0.5% - 88.24% for girls and 1.7% - 57.1% for boys. The findings reported most victims’ age of first exposure was preteen. The rate of the violation occurring in the victim’s house was 6.1% - 41.9%; most CSA perpetrators are known by victims. This study reported adverse impacts on CSA victims such as psychological, health, and physical disorders, and changes in behavior. In addition, other findings were found, including recovery, perceptions, values, causes, and expectations of victims of CSA. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CSA in Asia is still high and the age of the first victims is early adolescence. The majority of victims are women who already know the perpetrator, and taboo cultural factors are thought to play a role in increasing CSA in Asia. The results indicate the need to develop CSA prevention efforts that involve culture.

Stigma as a barrier to addressing childhood trauma in conversation with trauma survivors: A study in the general population.

Victims of childhood trauma report shame and anticipation of stigma, leading to non-disclosure and avoidance of help. Stigma is potentially aggravating the mental health consequences of childhood trauma. So far there is no comprehensive study examining stigma toward adult survivors of various forms of childhood trauma, and it is unclear whether stigma interferes with reaching out to affected individuals. In a vignette study based on a representative sample of the German general population (N = 1320; 47.7% male) we randomly allocated participants to brief case vignettes pertaining to past childhood sexual/physical abuse or accidents, and adult physical abuse. Stigma was elicited by applying the Social Distance Scale, assessing respondents' attitudes/stereotypes toward the persons in the vignette and their reluctance to address the specific trauma in conversation. While one aim was to establish the prevalence of stigma toward persons with CT, we hypothesized that attitudes differ according to type of trauma. Of the respondents, 45% indicated they were unlikely to reach out to a victim of childhood sexual abuse, 38% to a victim of childhood physical abuse, 31% to someone reporting a childhood accident and 25% to someone reporting adult physical abuse. Contrary to our expectations, childhood sexual abuse did not consistently elicit more stigma than childhood physical abuse in Krukall-Wallis tests. Equally, childhood interpersonal trauma did not consistently elicit more stigma than childhood accidental trauma. Structural equation modeling revealed social distance as mediator of the relationship between negative stereotypes and reluctance to address childhood trauma in conversation. Our analyses further revealed an ambiguous role of negative stereotypes in addressing childhood trauma in conversation with trauma victims, which has yet to be examined. There is evidence for stigma associated with having survived childhood trauma, which is interfering with offering help.

Introduction: IJCAR - Volume 8

Dear readers,
 I am pleased to introduce the 2021 Issue of IJCAR, the International Journal of Child and Adolescent Resilience, addressing various aspects of youth resilience. We also have a thematic section focused on resilience in Indigenous and multicultural populations.
 This issue includes five regular articles on different aspects of resilience. First, Lafrenaye-Dugas et al. document the sources of distress of adolescent boy victims of physical violence within their romantic relationships. Then, Martinez and her colleagues examine the effect of disclosure on resilience in adult female victims of childhood sexual abuse. In the following paper, Dr. Medico proposes a theoretical model of trans affirmative approaches for trans and non-binary youth based on Axel Honneth's ethics of recognition model (2000; 2006). Richard et al. investigate the role of perceptions of harm and perceived peer and parental attitudes towards substance use in the association between adverse childhood experiences and substance use in adolescents. Finally, Villate and her colleagues document the subjective experiences of emerging adults who have a parent with a mental disorder and suggest ways to support their resilience in the transition to adulthood.
 In addition to these regular articles, we also have a commentary on the 5th World Congress on Resilience by Dr. Ionescu and a thematic section focused on resilience in Indigenous and multicultural populations. This section presents five articles on the effects of the Lantern|Awacic sexual violence prevention program training for workers in Indigenous care settings (Attard et al.), the relations between virtues, well-being, and resilience in Indigenous youth in the Peruvian Amazon (Bullock et al.), Child Maltreatment-Related Investigations of Children from Newcomer Households in Canada (Houston et al.), a review of the use of mobile applications to support Indigenous youth well-being (Noronha et al.), and finally, the validation of the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM-28; Ungar & Liebenberg, 2011) in Nicaraguan youth.
 I wish to take this opportunity to warmly thank each member of the IJCAR team, namely Dr. Isabelle Daigneault, Dr. Rachel Langevin and Dr. Tara Black, associate editors; Catherine Moreau, managing editor; Manon Robichaud, layout editor; Andréanne Fortin, senior copyeditor; and Ruo Feng, Sereena Pigeon, and Carley Marshall, junior copyeditor. We hope you enjoy your reading!
 Don’t forget to prepare your manuscripts for the 2022 issue. In addition to regular papers, we will feature a thematic section on research presented at the Child and Youth Trauma Symposium. Submit your manuscripts in English or in French by November 15th, 2021. Please feel free to send the information to colleagues and students who may be interested.
 Martine Hébert, Editor-in-Chief

The Sexual Grooming Scale – Victim Version: The Development and Pilot Testing of a Measure to Assess the Nature and Extent of Child Sexual Grooming

ABSTRACT Sexual grooming has been deemed an integral component of child sexual abuse (CSA). However, the nature and extent of sexual grooming remains understudied in large part because an empirically-validated scale for child sexual grooming has yet to be developed. We developed the Sexual Grooming Scale – Victim Version (SGS-V) to assess the stages and behaviors described in the content-validated Sexual Grooming Model from a victim’s perspective. The SGS-V was pilot tested with 115 adult victims of CSA. Overall, results supported the feasibility in terms of implementation and its limited-efficacy. The implications for prevention, investigation, treatment, and research are discussed.

Modus operandi of persons convicted of a sexual offense from victims’ perspectives in a Turkish sample

Child sexual abuse is typically studied using reports from the offender and in Western countries. The aim of the present study was to investigate pre- and post-abuse strategies of persons convicted of a sexual offense to children in Turkey using the statements made by the child victims and to frame the results using rational choice theory. A qualitative study was made for the themes in the police statements from 46 children who were victims of child sexual abuse. The content analysis revealed that persons convicted of a sexual offense to children differ in terms of their methods to approach children and in their pre- and post-abuse behaviors depending on their relationship with the victim. A total of 85% of the offenses were extra-familial and 15% within the family. Only 21% of the extra-familial offenses were opportunist; most involved bribes and introductions through friends or intermediaries. Two tactics unique to Turkey were promises of marriage and the use of children as intermediaries. The use of force and blackmail was more common in the intra-familial offenses. The results of the qualitative analysis were, on the whole, consistent with results from persons convicted of a sexual offense to children’s statements, but some of the tactics used by offenders in Turkey were unique to Turkish culture.

Deviance from the ethical standard of reporting child sexual abuse in daily newspapers of Bangladesh

Since child sexual abuse (CSA) is one of the most serious public health issues, how CSA cases and victims are portrayed in the daily newspapers is a major concern to the public health and communication specialists. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of the ethical standard of reporting CSA in Bangladeshi newspapers, as well as to identify the potential risk factors associated with unethical reporting. From January to December 2017, a total of 1093 news stories on CSA were collected from four top circulated Bengali newspapers and two English newspapers of Bangladesh. Berelson’s quantitative content analysis approach (only manifest content) was used to analyze these stories. For the coding and analysis purpose, news items (texts and news with photos) of spot news, editorials, and commentaries were included. Chi-square tests were used to evaluate the bivariate association of different case characteristics with unethical reporting, and multivariate logistic regression models were performed to assess the potential risk factors of disclosing the victim’s identity and needless detail in the news description. This study revealed that more than 40% of news stories on CSA cases did not follow the ethical standard of reporting. Episodic CSA cases were more unethically reported in newspapers, compared to the thematic stories (42.8% vs. 11.6%). Approximately 37% of news stories disclosed at least one identifying information of victims (i.e., name, parents’ name, family member’s name, or school name), and 23% of stories included sensual and/or excessive description of the event. Our adjusted model showed that victim identifiers were most likely to be reported in news stories when the victim was 13–17 years old (AOR 1.86; P = 0.027), the alleged perpetrator held influential social status (AOR 2.44, P = 0.005), the victim was familiar to the perpetrator (AOR 6.85, P < 0.001), and when public reaction against the CSA incident was reported (AOR 2.75, P < 0.001). In addition, if there was a public reaction to any CSA occurrence, the chances of unnecessary extensive coverage increased by 1.82 times. In conclusion, Bangladeshi newspapers often publish CSA stories without maintaining the ethical standard of reporting and thus ignore child rights.

Addressing the issue of child sexual abuse in Pakistan: A conceptual analysis

Drawing on academic and government literature and the authors’ professional experience in working with child sexual abuse (CSA), this article details the current issues in Pakistan within a global context of Asia. This discussion addresses the context of CSA in Pakistan, causes and incidence of CSA, reporting of CSA, lack of effective structures to protect children, public education for CSA, and finally discusses the example of Punjab Province in Pakistan and its approach to dealing with CSA. The article contributes to an understanding of current reporting, intervention, and treatment of victims of CSA in Pakistan from a social work/policy perspective.

Potential for police investigator bias: the impact of child sexual abuse victims’ background characteristics on perceived statement credibility, case outcome and quality of interview questions

ABSTRACT This preregistered experiment aimed to investigate the impact of background information regarding an alleged victim of child sexual abuse on police investigators’ perception of the credibility of the victim’s statement, expected case outcome, and the type of questions police investigators plan to ask the victim in an investigative interview. We expected that the age and the description of the alleged victim’s character would affect perceived credibility, prediction of case prosecution and the use of biased questions in the interview plan. Indonesian police investigators (N = 369) read a case vignette of either a 5- or a 15-year-old female victim of child sexual abuse, including either a good character, bad character, or no character information. Participants receiving the story of the 15-year-old alleged victim perceived the victim as having contributed more to the crime, predicted the case as more likely to be withdrawn and included more biased questions in their interview plans than those who received the story of a 5-year-old alleged victim. Moreover, participants being told that the alleged victim had a bad character perceived her statement as less reliable, having contributed more to the crime, predicted the case as more likely to be withdrawn or dropped-out than those who received information about the alleged victim with a good character. We did not find any effect of our background information manipulation on the perception of suspect guilt, and on the estimated likelihood of the allegation being confirmed by corroborative evidence or being prosecuted. The current findings suggest that background information can negatively affect police investigators’ judgment and decision-making when working on a child sexual abuse case.

The Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Sexually Abused Children: A Hospital-Based Study

Introduction: Child sexual abuse is an extensive health and societal problem as even the lowest prevalence of child sexual abuse includes a huge number of victims who still need to be considered. Africa has the highest prevalence of child sexual abuse yet still with a paucity of literature on the subject matter. Objective: Describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of children victim of sexual abuse reported at the Yaounde Gynaeco-obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (YGOPH). Methods: A hospital based cross sectional descriptive study was conducted from January 1st, 2017 – December 31st, 2019 at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital. Consultation files were examined and identified cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) recruited. Epidemiological and clinical data of included participants were treated using a pre-established questionnaire. Collected data were entered and analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software version 26.0 with p-values calculated following a one variable binomial sampling. Results: In total, data was assessed from 51,331 pediatric consultation files of which 127 cases of child sexual abuse met our inclusion criteria. The prevalence of child sexual abuse was 0.25%. Most victims of child sexual abuse were of the female gender (92%) from single parenting homes (36.8%) (p&lt; 0.05) within two age groups &lt; 5years (32.9%) and 10-15 years (32.9%). Perpetrators were in majority males (84%) of age ≥18 years (72.4%) and were persons known to the victims (73.7%) who proceeded by taking advantage of the victims’ trust. Vaginal penetration (57.9%) with vaginal lesions (59.2%) were the most encountered cases which were placed on highly active anti-retroviral prophylaxis however with poor clinical follow-up (35.5%) as the patients did not turn-up for their visits. Conclusion: Child sexual abuse though not addressed as a matter of urgency, yet it is a problem with a gradual upward trend in our community most especially as perpetrators are persons we are familiar with. Thus, a call for greater vigilance with regards to the guidance we leave our children with.

GANTI KERUGIAN TERHADAP ANAK KORBAN TINDAK PIDANA PENCABULAN

Children’s rights, as victim (of sexual offences) or perpetrator of crime, are not yet well secured or protected by law. This issue will be discussed by examining closely the substantive and procedural rules-regulation in the Law of Child Protection (no. 23 of 2002) and Law on Child Court (no. 11 of 2012). In addition, legal practice about children court shall also be highlighted. The author suggest that the prevailing substantive and procedural law has not yet be made adequately in response to the special needs of children victims of sexual abuse as well as accommodating the need for sufficient and fair compensation. It is as it is, due, amongst others, for the lack of victim perspective in the making of the children court system and how this system is being practiced.

The attachment video-feedback intervention (AVI) combined to the trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) for sexually abused preschoolers and their parents: A pilot study examining pre- to post-test changes

Child sexual abuse is associated with a range of negative consequences, including behavior problems and dissociative and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) has shown to be successful in the treatment of child victims of sexual abuse, but yet presents some challenges with preschoolers. Child sexual abuse has often been associated with insecure attachment among preschool children. Therefore, combining an attachment-based intervention with the TF-CBT may offer a means to optimize therapeutic outcomes. This pilot study examined in a pre/post-test design whether the combination of the Attachment Video-feedback Intervention (AVI) with the TF-CBT led to changes in the well-being of sexually abused preschoolers and their parents. Participants included 33 sexually abused children aged 4 to 6 years old and their non-offending caregivers. Parents completed questionnaires on their child’s behavior problems and dissociative symptoms, and reported on their own psychological distress and posttraumatic symptoms following their child’s disclosure of trauma. Results showed decreases in child internalizing and dissociative symptoms and maternal psychological distress and posttraumatic symptoms after the intervention. This pilot study suggests this combined protocol is a promising tool to foster the recovery of young victims of sexual abuse and their non-offending caregivers.

Barriers to Accessing Treatment Services: Child Victims of Youths with Problematic Sexual Behavior.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) remains a significant public health problem. Although the deleterious effects on the child victims could be mitigated through evidence-based interventions, victims often fail to be identified and receive clinical assessment and therapy services, particularly when they have been victimized by another youth. Given that at least a third of CSA cases are committed by another youth, understanding the process of identifying and addressing the needs of CSA victims of youth is the focus of the present study. Factors impacting services for child victims of youths with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) were examined through qualitative interviews (N = 226) with mental health agency administrators, direct service providers, and community stakeholders from eight geographically diverse communities across the United States. Responses focused on macro and micro level barriers to the identification and service provision for child victims of PSB of youths. Implications for clinicians and policymakers are discussed, along with strategies to enhance access and provision of services to meet the needs of the child victims.

Assessing the Extent to Which Art Therapy Can Be Used with Victims of Childhood Sexual Abuse: A Thematic Analysis of Published Studies

ABSTRACT In a 2015–2016 UK survey of 35, 248 adults, 7% reported experiencing sexual abuse as children. This review considers the value of Art Therapy (AT) in recognizing individual needs and experiences and supporting victims to manage the lasting impact of abuse. Three main bodies of research were identified: the use of AT in childhood sexual abuse (CSA) investigations; the use of art therapy in the treatment of the psychological sequelae of CSA victims in childhood and adulthood; and an assessment of how art therapy compares to other therapeutic approaches for CSA victims. The review highlights that AT particularly benefits rapport building between victim and therapist/investigator, and alleviates some psychological consequences of sexual abuse – particularly anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and dissociation. By engaging the limbic system, AT may also provide a communicative form, building a narrative where verbal communication is hindered. However, the analysis brings attention to several weaknesses in the current AT research: available studies tend to have small sample sizes and few quantitative findings. This review concludes by identifying the need for research which considers the clinical implications of AT in CSA cases for the future.

“Only when it’s written here”: personal writing as testimony in the aftermath of childhood sexual abuse

ABSTRACT The article presents a narrative qualitative study that included analysis of 54 texts written and published online by 22 women aged 20–40 who had been sexually abused in childhood. The study found that personal writing by victims of childhood sexual abuse fosters rehabilitation of the damaged witness function within the post-traumatic mind by self-testimony processes that occur in various forms in the writing. Writing facilitates different aspects within conflicting experiences, as shows through the theme of silence and speech. I shall also address the unique role of images and metaphors in trauma processing. The theoretical contribution of the study to the field of bibliotherapy and poetry therapy is in understanding the role and meanings of writing in processes of coping with abuse and constructing self-cohesion as well as in the significance of combining writing and metaphorical work in therapy with victims of childhood sex abuse.

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN INDIA

Today, every child in this world has to undergo a hard phase in his/her life. The hard phase could be in the form of physical or mental harassment. These cruel acts, done by some grown-up men and women will have a huge impact on the future generation. One such act is Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). Its prevalence is perceptible all over the world. This research article gives exclusive importance to CSA in India. A general understanding of CSA in the public eye is coitus. However, the reality is touching or speaking with the intention of abusing the child either physically or emotionally itself is a CSA. The statistics and case studies referred to in this article have their source from the leading national and international newspapers. The post-traumatic phase or the consequences of CSA has been dealt with in detail. This article can also serve as an eye-opener by making the readers aware of the rules and regulations available at the state, national, and international level for the welfare of children. The present article also throws light on the prevention of CSA and tailored guidelines for handling victims of CSA. This article could also be used by future researchers in exploring the various factors behind CSA and policymakers, in understanding the status quo and strengthening the system accordingly. It can also serve as an eye-opener for the common public to understand the nuances involved in protecting a child against sexual advancements.

Psychological intervention with adult victims of sexual abuse: A comprehensive review.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a phenomenon that is ubiquitous to all cultures and social classes. It has short- and long-term consequences, with specific treatment models that have been developed and adapted from psychological intervention models. A wide variety of studies have sought to evaluate the results of treatments with adult CSA survivors. This study presents an overview of research on the treatment of adult victims of CSA, by reviewing the existing literature on the types of treatment and the most studied psychotherapeutic avenues, and reports the findings related to the efficacy of these treatments. It is possible to conclude that psychological intervention exhibits benefits in the reduction of symptoms resulting from the experience of CSA and demonstrates the need to conduct further research on the effectiveness of intervention.