Definition Of Child Sexual Abuse Research Articles

Child Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse also referred to as molestation. The term is also covering any behaviour by on adult or older adolescents towards a referred to as child sexual abuse or statutory rape. In the global, India is the largest number of children 375 million, covering forty percentage of its population, out of which sixty-nine percentage of Indian girls are victims of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. Apart from that 70% of cases are unreported or unshared even with family members Global Prevalence of Sexual Abuse. Child Sexual Abuse rate among the girls are consistently higher than in boys. Prevalence rates of Child sexual abuse range from 8% to 31% for females and 3% to 17% for males. Prevalence rates may be attributed to different operational definitions of Child Sexual Abuse, as well as differences in occurrence of Child Sexual Abuse among varied populations across geographical regions. Prevalence rates also affected gender predicting factors.

Botswana Child Sexual Abuse legal framework: An analysis of the implementation of Children’s Act 2009

This article examines the implementation of Botswana Children’s Act 2009. Twenty-six in-depth interviews were conducted in two purposively selected sites with child protection front liners, policymakers and caregivers. The Act was analyzed for a definition of child sexual abuse, provision of systems implementing structures, as well as the actual implementation of the Act. Interviews and the Act were analyzed using an inductive analytic approach. The interviews were analyzed using NVivo qualitative analysis software. Significant findings include the existence of the dual legal system, lack of systems implementing structures in most districts as well as lack of community involvement. Future efforts should be put into putting in place systems implementing structures so that the Act could be widely disseminated. These suggested efforts could improve the reach and uptake of the Act. These findings extend knowledge on law implementation and have significant implications for safeguarding of children in settings that grapple with the inconsistencies caused by the dual legal system.

Defining Child Sexual Abuse: Perspectives from Mothers Who Experienced this Abuse

Key Practitioner Messages The definition of child sexual abuse (CSA) is highly variable in the literature. This is problematic as these differing definitions affect research results, which in turn inform practice. A survey was conducted to ascertain survivors' definitions of CSA using both open‐ and closed‐ended questions. The findings can be used to inform discussions of the CSA definition used by researchers and policymakers, and to inform CSA assessment among practitioners.

CHILD ABUSE: ARE WE DOING ENOUGH TO PREVENT IT?

Violence against children has been recognized as public health problem by World Health Organization (WHO). The eighth Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) set by the special session of United Nations general assembly in 2015; five out of eight goals are directly related to the wellbeing of children.Child abuse is not limited to battering only. WHO defines child maltreatment as “the abuse and neglect faced by children under the age of 18 years, includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse”.1 Physical abuse encompasses inflicting temporary or permanent damage to the physical functioning of a child, for example, corporal punishment, beating, choking, biting and intentionally burning.2-4 Sexual abuse is engaging children in sexual activities they cannot understand or consent to, including exposing the child to sexually explicit material or using the child in pornography, and rape.5,6 Emotional abuse is the ongoing emotional maltreatment of a child. It is also called psychological abuse and can significantly damage child’s mental health and development. Emotional abuse involves bullying, deliberately trying to scare, humiliate, isolate, ignore, corrupt or terrorize a child.7There is ample research evidence confirms the deleterious effect of childhood abuse, effecting psychological and social wellbeing, physical health and educational performance of a child.2,3 In addition to immediate physical and emotional damage, abused children are at high risk of becoming depressed, suicidal, aggressive, or withdrawn. Older children may develop substance abuse or running away from home. As adults, they are more likely to develop marital and sexual difficulties, depression, suicidal behavior or addictions and even they may have shortened life span.8Similarly maltreated children are more likely to be the perpetrators in future, conforming to the social cycle theory of abuse. Some research shows that 90 percent of maltreating adults were abused as children.9Children often don’t disclose the abuse explicitly thus the goal of identifying the abuse is usually thwarted. Therefore, it becomes essential to pay attention to subtle or some time drastic changes in child’s mood and behavior. Some time sudden and dramatic changes indicate that something may be wrong.Children who have been abused or neglected may have different behavioral changes or emotional manifestations. They may include the child being withdrawn, quiet or have a bad temper, anger outburst or disruptive behavior, excessive crying, specific fear of a place or person, nightmares and bedwetting. Drastic changes in academic performance (dropping grades). Changes in sleep patterns (excessive or lack of sleep) and appetite (eating too much or too little) may also be indicators of abuse.1- 3 In majority of cases of child abuse, emotional damage is more severe than any physical damage with long lasting effects.The magnitude of child abuse is alarming in our region. The largest number of child labour, abuse, prostitution and trafficking has been reported in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal. The largest number of working children in the world, fulfilling the criteria of child abuse resides in India. 10 There is scarcity of meaningful research in Pakistan; most of the studies looking at this menace are descriptive and inconclusive in nature. The available data show that girls predominate as the victim of abuse11 and there has been steady increase in incidence over the last few years.4 There has been some progress in promulgation of laws recently in Pakistan, addressing the problem of child abuse. In 2016 the 2nd Amendment of the Criminal Law Act was approved by National Assembly, passing the long overdue bill on Child Abuse. This Bill rose the age of criminal responsibility from 7 years to 12 years. It provides protection to children from all forms of physical maltreatment including corporal punishment. Additionally, it widened its definition of child sexual abuse to include and penalize paraphelia like voyeurism, exhibitionism and using the child in pornography, whereas, previously only rape was criminalized.12 Mental Health professionals and also pediatricians play a key role in the path to recovery for children with a history of abuse. Parents and other family members are strongly recommended to seek counseling in order to provide comfort and support to the child.13 Psychological treatment like Abuse-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT) is one such mode of intervention, designed for children who are victim of abuse.13In country like ours with limited resources and scarce child mental health services there is dire need to focus on this grievous problem to reform the laws and develop child-protection services. Similarly quality and meaningful research is required to inform policy and raise awareness about child abuse.Even though these safeguards will go a long way in protecting children, better we ask ourselves, are we doing enough to prevent child abuse?

Prevalence of Childhood Sexual Abuse in China: A Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACTThe objective of the current study was to explore the estimated prevalence of childhood sexual abuse in China. We conducted a meta-analysis that used the data from 36 articles. A total of 125 independent samples and 131,734 participants were included. The results revealed no significant difference in the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse between Chinese men (9.1%) and women (8.9%). The prevalence of childhood sexual abuse in studies from mainland areas was significantly higher than that from Hong Kong/Taiwan. The estimated prevalence of childhood sexual abuse in China also differed according to the definition of child sexual abuse, data collection method, year of data collection, and the mean age of participants at the time of assessment.

Parent-Involved Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse: A Qualitative Exploration of Parents’ Perceptions and Practices in Beijing

Parents are vital to the successful prevention of child sexual abuse (CSA). A better understanding of parents’ perceptions and practice of CSA is essential for developing and implementing effective parent-involved prevention programs. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to explore how and why parents in China perceive and respond to the CSA problem in the way that they do. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 26 parents of preschool- or primary school-aged children in Beijing, who were purposely selected to be diverse in gender, age, and socioeconomic status. The results show that parents’ definition of CSA included four levels of sexual activities and invoked some additional factors. Parents perceived that CSA risks differed between all children and their own children, between boys and girls, and between poor and nonpoor children. They insisted that perpetrators were more likely to be familiar rather than strangers. There were some barriers hindering their CSA preventive practice, especially their ability or willingness to discuss CSA with their children. Furthermore, parents’ perceptions and practices were analyzed and discussed within a Chinese sociocultural context, and compared with those in Western developed countries. This study’s findings suggest that in the absence of government leadership and professional intervention services for CSA, parent-involved CSA prevention should be developed in mainland China and that CSA prevention education for Chinese parents should be a key part of these initiatives.

Prevalence of Childhood Sexual Abuse among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual People: A Meta-Analysis

In order to determine the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals, we conducted a meta-analysis that compiled the results of 65 articles across 9 countries. The results revealed no significant difference in the prevalence of child sexual abuse between homosexual and bisexual people for both sexes. The prevalence of child sexual abuse among female sexual minorities was significantly higher than that among male sexual minorities. The lowest prevalence was found in South America, followed by Asia. The definition of child sexual abuse, dimension used to measure sexual orientation, year of data collection, and the mean age of participants at the time of assessment influenced the estimated prevalence of child sexual abuse. We conclude that many variables influence the reported prevalence of child sexual abuse among sexual minorities.

Prevalence of child sexual abuse in Switzerland: a systematic review

Although child sexual abuse (CSA) is considered to be a significant health risk, there is no systematic overview of studies that have investigated the prevalence of CSA in Switzerland. To conduct a systematic review of studies on the prevalence of CSA in Switzerland. A literature search was conducted using several online bibliographic databases. In addition, experts in the field in Switzerland were contacted to find studies that had not been published in academic journals. Studies were selected on the basis of predefined criteria. Because heterogeneity of studies did not allow meta-analytic calculations, data were suitably structured and summarised according to the most common types of CSA. Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria. Probably due to heterogeneity regarding definition and non-validated assessment of CSA, reported prevalence estimates varied greatly across studies. Prevalence rates were consistently higher for girls (up to 40%) than for boys (up to 11%). The most prevalent CSA with contact appears to be "perpetrator fondled victim", and the most common form of non-contact CSA was "exhibitionism". Due to inconsistent findings, conclusions that can be drawn are limited. However, results indicate that CSA prevalence rates in Switzerland are high and comparable to other European countries. In future, representative studies need to be conducted using a validated instrument based on internationally recognized definitions of CSA to obtain valid assessments of the prevalence of CSA in Switzerland.

Cultural Understandings of Child Sexual Abuse from Aid Workers and Parents at the Guatemala City Dump Community

This study documents Guatemalan aid workers' and parents' definitions of child sexual abuse (CSA), understandings of indicators and etiology of CSA, and training needs. Focus groups were conducted with aid workers and parents living in the Guatemala City dump. Conceptualizations of CSA included rape, contact molestation, and noncontact molestation. Aid workers and parents identified emotional and behavioral symptoms as indicators of CSA. Parents reported systemic understandings of CSA, such as poverty and the cycle of violence. Parents requested education on positive parenting; aid workers wanted training about working effectively with the legal system. Prevention and intervention implications are discussed.

Methodological Issues in Inferences from Meta-Analysis About the Effects of Child Sexual Abuse

Tromovitch and Rind have responded to my methodological criticisms of their meta-analyses of research on the effects of child sexual abuse (CSA). Here I provide theoretical frameworks from the domain of developmental psychopathology to guide interpretation of the empirical findings. I then expand on my concerns about conclusions based on college-student samples and about overly broad definitions of CSA used in primary research. Finally, I review two recent studies of the effects of CSA that used notably better methods. Both studies lead to the conclusion that CSA does have measurable effects on some victims, for outcomes such as borderline personality disorder, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder, even when family environment is controlled.

ORIGINAL RESEARCH—PSYCHOLOGY: Sexual Function and Satisfaction in Adults Based on the Definition of Child Sexual Abuse

The literature shows a discrepancy in the association between child sexual abuse (CSA) and adult sexual function. One of the proposed explanations for this discrepancy is the different ways in which CSA is assessed. While some studies explicitly ask potential participants whether they are sexual abuse survivors, others ask whether participants experienced specific unwanted sexual behaviors. This study investigated the differences between women who self-identified as CSA survivors, women who experienced similar unwanted sexual experiences but did not identify as CSA survivors (NSA), and women with no history of sexual abuse (control). CSA was defined as unwanted touching or penetration of the genitals before the age of 16. A sample of 699 college students anonymously completed a battery of questionnaires on sexuality and sexual abuse history. Sexual function was measured with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and sexual satisfaction was measured with the Sexual Satisfaction Scale-Women. History of CSA was measured with a modified version of Carlin and Ward's childhood abuse items. Differences emerged between women who experienced sexual abuse before age 16 and women who never experienced sexual abuse (control) on the personal distress subscale of the Sexual Satisfaction Scale. The CSA group (N = 89) reported greater sexual distress compared to the NSA (N = 98) group, and the NSA group reported more distress than the control group (N = 512). No significant group differences were observed in the FSFI. Characteristics of the abuse that predicted whether women identified as CSA survivors included vaginal penetration, fear at the time of the abuse, familial relationship with the perpetrator, and chronic frequency of the abuse. These abuse characteristics were associated with sexual satisfaction but not with sexual function. Differences in levels of sexual satisfaction between women with and without a history of CSA were associated with the type of CSA definition adopted. It remains unexplained why the CSA group showed more personal distress about their sexuality but not more sexual dysfunction.

Non-epileptic seizures and child sexual abuse: A critical review of the literature

Non-epileptic seizures have received a substantial amount of attention in the psychiatric and medical literature, but comparatively little attention from psychologists. Non-epileptic seizures resemble epileptic seizures but lack the physiological symptoms of genuine epilepsy and are psychological in origin. Many authors have emphasized the role that child sexual abuse may play in the etiology of this disorder. In the present paper, we provide a review of 34 studies examining this relationship, followed by a meta-analysis of 19 effect sizes. While our statistical results support the professed link between child sexual abuse and non-epileptic seizures, we suggest that because of research design limitations, it is premature to draw any definitive conclusions regarding a relationship. Eight of these research design limitations are identified and discussed (e.g., the absence of comparison groups; an explicit and public definition of child sexual abuse). Alternatives to a traditional psychoanalytic perspective that emphasizes the role of child sexual abuse in the etiology of NES are presented. Specific recommendations for future research are made and psychologists are strongly encouraged to play a more active role in both researching and treating non-epileptic seizures.

A meta-analysis of the relationship of child sexual abuse to HIV risk behavior among women

Objective: This study is a meta-analysis of the literature exploring the relationship between child sexual abuse (CSA) and HIV risk behavior among women. Four outcome variables were tested: unprotected sex; sex with multiple partners; sex trading; and adult sexual revictimization. Method: Forty-six studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis, and separate meta-analyses were performed for each of the four dependent variables described above. Results: Using the correlation coefficient r as an effect size estimate, results indicate an average effect size of .05 for the unprotected sex meta-analysis ( N = 16 studies), .13 for the sex with multiple partners meta-analysis ( N = 23 studies), .12 for the sex trading meta-analysis ( N = 23 studies), and .17 for the adult sexual revictimization meta-analysis ( N = 21 studies). We conducted a test of three potential moderator variables (source of sample, definition of CSA based on type of contact, and definition of CSA based on maximum age of victim). Results did not support the hypothesis that these three variables explain a significant amount of variability in effect sizes with one exception: Studies that define CSA more broadly to include adolescent victims (e.g., victims up to 17 years of age) had larger and more homogenous effect sizes for the sex trading meta-analysis than those that defined CSA as having occurred at younger ages. Conclusions: These findings suggest a small positive relationship between CSA and subsequent HIV risk behavior among women that varies as a function of how CSA and HIV risk behavior are operationalized.

Do American Ethnic Cultures Differ in Their Definitions of Child Sexual Abuse?

This study investigated whether the three largest ethnic/cultural populations in the United States—white Americans, African Americans and Hispanic Americans—entertain different notions of what constitutes Child Sexual Abuse (CSA). The study also investigated the circumstances under which individuals of these cultures deem an offense sufficiently severe to warrant reporting it to law enforcement agencies. Findings are that there are no significant differences between the ethnic groups' recognition of, or willingness to report, CSA except at the lowest levels of severity, where the two ethnic American minorities are somewhat more likely to recognize or report CSA than are white Americans.

Childhood experience of sexual abuse among Hong Kong Chinese college students

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence rate and profiles of abusers and victims of child sexual abuse in a Chinese society. Method: A convenience sample of 2147 Hong Kong Chinese college students completed questionnaires which included items on definitions of child sexual abuse, recall of sexual abuse experience before age 17, information about the sexual abuse incidents, and personal demographics. Results: The overall prevalence rate for various forms of child sexual abuse was 6%, with the rates being higher for females than for males. The average age of the victims at the time of the sexual abuse was 11 years old, with a majority of them experiencing sexual abuse during their teenage years. The average age of the abusers as estimated by the victims was 24 years old, and only 28% of the abusers were strangers to the victims. Males were about three times more likely than females to be sexually abused by their friends, whereas females were about twice more likely than males to be sexually abused by strangers. Only 39% of the victims reported their sexual victimization to others, and 56% of the reported incidents were not followed up. Conclusions: As compared to Western studies, the present study showed lower rates for more intimate or severe forms of child sexual abuse. The Chinese victims were more reluctant to disclose their sexual victimization than their Western counterparts. Limitations and practical implications of the study are also discussed.

The challenge of defining child sexual abuse.

Although child sexual abuse has been a concern for many researchers, therapists, and advocates for the past 3 decades, several fundamental issues regarding child sexual abuse remain unresolved. In particular, the term child sexual abuse has never been unequivocally defined. The lack of a commonly accepted definition of child sexual abuse continues to inhibit research, treatment, and advocacy efforts. Early researchers used broad and inclusive definitions of child sexual abuse--definitions that often continue to be used today. The consequences of these definitions are discussed, and strategies for developing other definitions of child sexual abuse are suggested.

Childhood sexual abuse histories in women with drug and alcohol misuse disorders

AbstractObjectives: To audit the incidence of a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in women with diagnoses of drug and alcohol misuse disorders.Method: A definition of CSA encompassing the US National Centre on Child Abuse and Neglect's definition of child sexual abuse was used. In the six month period of audit details of CSA were recorded from clinical data for all consecutive female new patients (n = 49) of the substance misuse service in St. Luke's Hospital, Armagh.Results: Of the 49 new patients, information on childhood sexual abuse was available for 44 subjects. Sixteen (36.36%) of 44 had a positive history of CSA.In 13 (81.25%) abuse occurred before the age of 16 years. Sexual intercourse was described by 50% and sexual contact by 50%. Only one patient had reported CSA to the police and only one patient had received counselling. There was a difference noted in the addiction profile of those with a history of CSA, 44% of this group had either alcohol dependence syndrome/harmful use of alcohol compared with 66% of the non-CSA group. The perpetrators were all male.Conclusions: Our audit confirmed other work which showed a high incidence of childhood sexual abuse histories in addicted women. This is one of the areas which may not be properly addressed by conventional addiction treatment programmes, which are male centred and male dominated. It adds to the growing body of evidence that suggests adaptations must be made as increasing numbers of women present for addiction problems.

A review of the epidemiological research on child sexual abuse. Clinical samples

AbstractThis article reviews the major empirical studies which have been carried out in an attempt to estimate the prevalence of child sexual abuse among females in clinical inpatient and outpatient samples. Along with the earlier review (Pilkington and Kremer, 1995) dealing with community and student samples, this paper likewise highlights a number of unresolved methodological issues which may contribute to the variance in reported prevalence rates. These include a myriad of definitions of child sexual abuse and different methods of eliciting information on possible histories of abuse. These issues are here discussed in the context of the findings of both review articles.

A review of the epidentiological research on child sexual abuse. Community and college student samples

AbstractThis article is the first of two consecutive reviews on the major empirical studies which have been carried out in an attempt to estimate the prevalence of child sexual abuse among females. The research is structured in terms of three sample categories: (a) probability and non‐probability samples of the general population; (b) college student samples; and (c) clinical inpatient and outpatient samples. This part of the review deals with (a) and (b) and highlights a number of unresolved methodological issues which may contribute to the variance in reported prevalence rates. These include a myriad of definitions of child sexual abuse and different methods of eliciting information on possible histories of abuse. Despite these problems. taken as a whole the prevalence studies indicate the significant numbers of people who have experienced abuse and who are willing to disclose aspects of these abusive experiences.

Asking about child sexual abuse: Methodological implications of a two stage survey

In a two stage retrospective survey on child sexual abuse (CSA), a majority of CSA incidents were reported at both postal and interview stages of the survey. Incidents that involved genital contact were most likely to be reported at both stages. A significant number of women reported abuse by a close family member in the postal questionnaire but not at interview. In contrast, incidents mentioned only at interview were more likely to be carried out by a stranger. At interview, many women who replied negatively to a general screening question on CSA went on to report abuse in response to detailed descriptive questions. This was especially true for noncontact experiences. Increasingly restrictive definitions of CSA lowered the prevalence rate for CSA under the age of 16 years from 34.4% to 19.7%. The implication of these findings for the design of future studies is discussed.