Child Sexual Abuse Research Articles

A ABORDAGEM MULTIDIMENSIONAL DO ABUSO SEXUAL CONTRA CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES: IMPACTOS PSICOLÓGICOS, SOCIAIS E JURÍDICOS, COM ÊNFASE EM ESTRATÉGIAS DE PREVENÇÃO E INTERVENÇÃO

The research addressed the topic “The Multidimensional Approach to Sexual Abuse against Children and Adolescents: Psychological, Social and Legal Impacts, with Emphasis on Prevention and Intervention Strategies”, examines the problem of child and youth sexual abuse through an integrated analysis psychological, social and legal aspects. Initially, it explores the profound psychological consequences, such as trauma, anxiety disorders and depression, that affect the development of victims, and highlights the importance of psychological support for recovery. In the social field, it analyzes the impact of abuse on the family environment and the community, discussing the stigma and challenges faced by victims and their families. In the legal sphere, the study investigates legal responses and public policies external to the protection of children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of an intersectoral protection network and the implementation of laws that promote the effective defense of victims’ rights. Furthermore, prevention and intervention strategies are addressed, such as public policies, educational campaigns and family support programs, which play an essential role in building a safe environment and combating abuse. The research concludes that a multidimensional approach is essential to confront child sexual abuse, integrating psychological, social and legal efforts to promote an effective protection network and reduce the incidence of this crime.

Sexually transmitted infections in sexually abused children: an audit project to implement PCR tests in a child advocacy center in Türkiye

Background. Sexual abuse in children can sometimes result in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can serve as crucial forensic evidence. Although PCR methods are now accepted as the gold standard for STI screening, they have not yet widely replaced traditional culture methods in Türkiye. This study aims to assess the necessity of implementing PCR-based STI testing at Child Advocacy Centers in Türkiye, where such testing is not routinely available. Methods. Conducted between February and November 2023, this study included children who presented to the Child Advocacy Center of Marmara University Pendik Training and Research Hospital. High-risk victims were identified based on criteria including a history of penetrative sexual abuse and factors such as multiple perpetrators or significant age disparity. Serological tests and genital swabs were collected and analyzed using both bacterial culture methods and a comprehensive STI PCR panel. Results. The study included 20 victims, with a median age of 16 years. STI PCR testing detected pathogens in 19 out of 21 samples, including Chlamydia trachomatis (20%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (5%). In contrast, culture methods identified no sexually transmitted pathogens. Conclusion. PCR testing demonstrated significantly higher sensitivity for detecting STIs compared to traditional bacterial culture methods, as expected. Implementing PCR-based STI testing in Child Advocacy Centers is an urgent and essential need for providing an accurate diagnosis and robust forensic evidence, enhancing the care and legal protection of sexually abused children.

The Global Prevalence of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in Schools between 2012 and 2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose This review aimed to synthesize existing research on the prevalence of Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) in schools, while also identifying key moderators that influence these rates. Methods A comprehensive database search from 2012 to 2022 was conducted. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to examine the impact of various moderators on prevalence rates. Results 70 studies with sample sizes ranging from 381 to 4,511 were included. The global prevalence of CSEA in schools was found to be 1.6%. Key moderators included the study’s regional origin, the income level of the country, and the type of CSEA, with no significant variations noted based on gender, sample source/participant age, response rate, time period, data collection year, and publication year. Discussion Highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance in CSEA prevention within schools, the study suggested targeted interventions based on identified moderating variables.

Pertanggungjawaban Pidana dan Penanggulangan Tindak Pidana Pencabulan terhadap anak

Introduction: This study discusses the legal regulation of the crime of molestation of children and the criminal liability of the perpetrators of the crime of molestation against children in the case.Purposes of the Research: To analyze and discuss legal regulations regarding criminal acts of molestation against children and explain criminal responsibility for perpetrators of criminal acts of molestation against children in Halong Baru, Baguala District, Ambon City.Methods of the Research: The research method used is normative juridical research. This research uses three problem approaches, namely the statutory approach, the conceptual approach and the case approach. The data sources obtained are primary legal materials and secondary legal materials. The technique for collecting legal materials uses the literature study method. All data in this study were analyzed qualitatively.Results of the Research: The results of this research show that, criminal responsibility for perpetrators of criminal acts of sexual abuse against children is a further consequence that must be accepted or borne by the defendant. During the trial process, the defendant was in good physical and mental health and no reason was found to erase the crime, in this case either a justifying reason or a forgiving reason, so that the defendant was able to take responsibility for the actions he committed. The efforts made to overcome acts of sexual abuse against children are carried out with preventive and repressive efforts by law enforcement and other institutions.

A home without secrets or lies on family & writing poems of childhood sexual assault

ABSTRACT In this short memoir, the author uses personal narrative, research, and popular literature to analyze her first book of poetry on childhood sexual assault and the social consequences of choosing to write a trauma narrative. As the author shows, writing her first book was an intuitive experiment of poetic therapy as well as an intellectual engagement with an artistic medium that becomes, through its production and publication, an example of the psychological benefits of writing these narratives while also inspiring negative familial responses. Drawing from the voices of other writers, this memoir argues that survivors of assault should write their experiences despite negative social responses, contending that the emotional and psychological benefits of doing so well outweigh social invalidation. Shame is examined as an inevitable consequence of assault that can be confronted through the act of writing, and memory as an unreliable resource the writer must choose to trust.

Managing emotions and occupational demands: A phenomenological exploration of the experiences of child exploitation support workers

Abstract Protecting children from criminal and sexual exploitation is a priority for safeguarding teams across the globe. Supporting children who are at risk of exploitation is a demanding role with high staff turnover. Experiences of third-sector child exploitation support workers, commissioned to deliver interventions to safeguard children from exploitation, have been neglected. This study presents an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of semi-structured interviews of eight child exploitation support workers employed by a service in England. Three experiential group themes were developed that captured the emotional and occupational complexities of their experiences performing their role. ‘Costs and Rewards of Emotional Labour’ depicted how emotions were managed to meet the requirements of the role. ‘Navigating Autonomy: The Double-Edged Sword of Empowerment and Loneliness’ highlighted unique perceptions of autonomous working. ‘“We are in really vulnerable situations at times”: Exploring Perceptions of Risk’ demonstrated how, collectively, participants felt vulnerable to risks when carrying out their role. The study provides insight that these third-sector employees face similar challenges as the regulated workforce and that it is crucial that policymakers and senior managers develop safety and system improvements to increase employees’ perceived and actual safety and well-being.

Unpacking norms shaping disclosure of intrafamilial child sexual abuse

Cultural norms and beliefs that negatively sanction discussions about child sexual abuse (CSA) behaviours remain significant barriers to victim disclosure and prevention in Ghana, particularly in cases of intrafamilial child sexual abuse (IFCSA). These cultural norms could influence how survivors of IFCSA interpret the abuse and cope with associated trauma. We explored the life stories of four IFCSA survivors in Ghana through a biographical narrative interview, and the findings highlighted cases of gender dynamics, rationalisation of IFCSA, and challenging family practices. The findings highlight multiple cultural norms that underlie IFCSA cases, including taboos on disclosure of IFCSA, gender norms regarding male victims, and the importance of “face-saving” and safeguarding family image. Implications for practice are discussed.

Persisting concerns about image exposure among survivors of image-based sexual exploitation and abuse in childhood.

Among survivors of image-based sexual exploitation and abuse, how many experienced persisting concerns about others encountering their sexual images? Online self-administered questionnaire was used. A sample of 189 unique incidents of image-based sexual abuse or exploitation in childhood from 154 respondents ages 18-28 were gathered in a follow-up study to a previous national online survey about technology-facilitated abuse. Twenty-six percent of the episodes generated high levels of persisting concern about possible unwanted exposure from the online availability of images. Among those who knew their image was publicly posted, 86% reported high levels of concern, but among the survivors confident that the images were not available online, only 7% had high levels of concern. There was also greater concern about exposure among survivors who experienced the abuse incident within the last 3 years. Abuse at the hands of other juveniles resulted in a similar level of concern as abuse by adults. The study highlights that some survivors of sexual image exploitation and abuse have persistent concerns about further image exposure to other audiences. Survivors with lower levels of persistent concern are typically those who do not believe the images are available online. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Supplemental Material for Exposure to Child Sexual Abuse Materials Among Law Enforcement Investigative Personnel: Exploring Trauma and Resilience Profiles

Supplemental Material for Exposure to Child Sexual Abuse Materials Among Law Enforcement Investigative Personnel: Exploring Trauma and Resilience Profiles

Online commercial sexual exploitation of children in a national victim survey.

To describe the characteristics and consequences of online commercial sexual exploitation of children using a nationally representative sample. The online survey sample comprised 2,639 respondents aged 18-28 from the KnowledgePanel maintained by the survey research firm Ipsos. Fifty-eight respondents or a weighted 1.7% of the sample described childhood experiences in which they used technology to exchange sexual talks, sexual images, or other sexual activities for money, drugs, or other valuable items. The episodes were very diverse. Sixty-three percent were girls, 30% boys, 7% gender fluid, and 42% sexual minorities. Half were ages 16 or 17, and half were younger at the time of the activity. Many (44%) were involved in offline sexual activity. The purchasers were not exclusively anonymous internet contacts; 19% were current or former intimate partners and another 10% friends or acquaintances. Most of the exchanges (92%) were self-negotiated, and only 8% involved a facilitator. Nonetheless, most reported negative reactions involving embarrassment, anxiety, and feeling afraid. Sexual minority youth reported more exchanging sexual talk, having a facilitator involved, feeling afraid and falling behind in school or work than heterosexual youth. This national survey reveals a high frequency of childhood commercial sex that diverges from descriptions of dynamics based on police and social agency data. Such dynamics suggest the need for alternative approaches to prevention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

From International Mandate to National Legislation: Pakistan’s Response to Erga Omnes Obligations on Child Sexual Abuse

Abstract This article critically assesses Pakistan’s compliance with erga omnes obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) concerning sexual abuse of children. It discusses the discrepancies between the international and national levels of legal provision and scrutinizes Pakistani measures to safeguard children against sexual exploitation from the perspective of the CRC. However, there are shortcomings in implementing such laws and, therefore, such protections are not effectively implemented. In the current article, some of the major fields of Pakistan’s legislation that do not conform to international standards are described, and the importance of legal reforms is stressed. Pakistan can better work to eradicate child sexual abuse and meet the requirements of the CRC through the synchronization of national laws with international norms and standards.

Behavioural profiling following acute stress uncovers associations with future stress sensitivity and past childhood abuse.

Background: Individuals greatly differ in their responses to acute stress, ranging from resilience to vulnerability that may yield stress-related psychopathology. Stress-related psychopathologies involve, by definition, substantial modifications across multiple behavioural domains, including impaired cognitive, affective and social functioning. Nevertheless, and despite extensive investigation of individual variability in stress responsivity, no study to date simultaneously assessed the impact of acute stress across multiple behavioural domains within a given individual.Objective: To address this critical gap, 84 healthy female participants (mean age 24.45 ± 3.02, range 19-35) underwent an established acute stress induction procedure and completed three behavioural tasks, probing the functional domains of positive, cognitive and social processing, both before and after the acute stress procedure.Method: A novel behavioural profiling algorithm was implemented to identify individuals whose performance was substantially impacted by stress across all three functional domains.Results: Approximately 30% of participants exhibited substantial deviation in their performance from before to after stress in all three tasks, hereon defined as stress-affected. Stress-affected participants did not differ in their psychological and physiological responses to the acute stress procedure from the other stress-unaffected 70% of the sample. However, follow-up assessments in 66 of these participants revealed higher levels of stress six months following the procedure among the stress-affected compared to the stress-unaffected group. Stress-affected individuals also reported more aversive childhood experiences, such that the odds of participants who were sexually abused at an early age to be affected behaviourally by acute stress later in life increased by more than five-fold.Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that being affected by acute stress across multiple functional domains is associated with future stress sensitivity and past childhood sexual abuse. Probing individual differences in the impact of acute stress across domains of functionality may better align with the multi-dimensional nature of stress responsivity, uncovering latent vulnerability.

Exploring the Dynamics of Communication in the Handling of Child Victims of Intrafamilial Child Sexual Abuse: A Case Study in the Women's and Children's Protection Technical Implementation Unit, Pekanbaru City Government in Indonesia

This study aims to examine the dynamics of communication in handling intrafamilial child sexual abuse, with a case study of RR, a child victim of sexual abuse by her stepfather and cousin, reported to the Technical Implementation Unit for the Protection of Women and Children (Unit Pelaksana Teknis Perlindungan Perempuan dan Anak/UPT PPA) of the Pekanbaru City Government. Data collection techniques include in-depth interviews, observations, and document studies. Using the constructivist paradigm and the social construction theory by Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann, the collected data were analyzed qualitatively to explore how communication patterns and interactions among the involved parties, including the UPT PPA team, the victim, the victim's family, the Social Services, the Police, Legal Aid, orphanages, and other informal parties, build the social reality of child protection for the victim RR. Data sources were selected using purposive sampling based on criteria until saturation was reached. The findings indicate that despite communication barriers and non-cooperation from the family, effective communication and good coordination among all involved parties are crucial to ensuring the recovery and ongoing legal process for the child victim of sexual abuse. An empathetic, sensitive, and collaborative approach can help the victim feel supported and gradually recover from the traumatic experience. Collaboration between institutions plays an essential role in providing protection and social rehabilitation for RR. The dynamics of communication in handling intrafamilial child sexual abuse involve the dialectical processes of externalization, objectification, and internalization among the various parties involved. Received: 30 July 2024 / Accepted: 28 October 2024 / Published: 05 November 2024

Seeking Asylum in the United States: Intersectional Analysis of the Experiences of Transgender Women from the Central American Northern Triangle

The Northern Triangle countries, including El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, are sources of a significant number of asylum seekers in the United States today. This article examines the underlying societal dynamics in these countries and considers the typical profile of transgender immigrant women seeking asylum in the U.S. on the legal grounds of having faced gender-based violence in their countries of origin. It analyzes the relevant international conventions as well as the social determinants of the health and mental health of transgender asylum seekers. It draws from 35 cases of transgender immigrant women subjected to child sexual abuse; sexual assault, including assault by police; and forced sex work; it reviews examples from the academic and gray literature, including a precedent-setting case heard before the Inter-American Court on Human Rights. It discusses the implications for social science professionals, including the role of experts of country conditions. It provides guidance for immigrant service providers and advocates, particularly the importance of gender-affirming policies and healthcare to this population deserving of protection.

PROTOCOL: Risk and protective factors for child sexual abuse and interventions against child sexual abuse: An umbrella review.

This is the protocol for a Campbell Collaboration systematic review. Our objective is to conduct an umbrella review to synthesize published and unpublished systematic reviews focused on risk and protective factors for child sexual abuse and effectiveness of interventions against child sexual abuse perpetration and victimization. Specific research questions are: (i) what are the risk and protective factors for child sexual abuse victimization, and what are their relative strength and/or magnitude for predicting child sexual abuse victimization? (ii) what are the risk and protective factors for child sexual abuse perpetration, and what are their relative strength and/or magnitude for predicting child sexual abuse perpetration? (iii) are interventions aimed at reducing and/or preventing child sexual abuse effective? (iv) what are the moderators that increase or decrease effectiveness of the interventions? Efforts to decrease child sexual abuse need to be based on research, but more accessible evidence regarding the breadth of risk and protective factors and effectiveness of interventions to reduce child sexual abuse needs to be provided to policymakers. This will be the first umbrella review that comprehensively synthesizes findings of the previous systematic reviews that focus on risk and protective factors for child sexual abuse and interventions to prevent or reduce child sexual abuse. The results will be able to inform enhanced prevention policy and programs, and regulatory measures for specific contexts of child sexual abuse.

Exploring healthcare professionals' knowledge of how to identify and respond to child sexual abuse.

Evidence on the incidence of child sexual abuse (CSA) indicates it is a global epidemic that adversely affects the short- and long-term physical and mental health outcomes of those affected. Learning from safeguarding practice reviews suggests healthcare professionals (HCPs) are in a unique position to identify and intervene when they suspect CSA. However, research suggests that HCPs have insufficient knowledge to identify CSA, intervene and manage the individual's care. This article reports the findings of a systematic literature review that explored HCAs' knowledge of how to identify and respond to CSA. The findings from the published research on this topic indicate that HCAs have limited knowledge and confidence, which can prevent them from fulfilling their mandatory safeguarding roles. The literature review emphasises the need to improve training to ensure better health outcomes for children and young people who have been sexually abused.

The Investigation of Online Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Sweden

The Investigation of Online Child Sexual Abuse Cases in Sweden

Knowledge and awareness of child sexual abuse related to POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act among medical and dental professionals in India: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The POCSO (Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences) Act was introduced in 2012 as a measure to safeguard and prevent interests of children affected by sexual crimes. Both medical and dental professionals are capable of identifying such cases. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of child sexual abuse related to POCSO Act among both medical and dental professionals in India. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 100 medical and dental healthcare professionals employed in a single hospital for evaluation of knowledge and awareness on POCSO Act. The questionnaire containing multiple choice questions was randomly distributed among all the study participants as hard copy or via electronic generated forms. The questionnaire comprised questions related to demographics and those dealing with knowledge and attitude. Statistical Analysis: Categorical variables were represented in the form of percentages, and data analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: 67% study participants demonstrated full knowledge of POCSO, 23% had some knowledge, and 10% study subjects had absolutely no knowledge regarding this act. 7% professionals opined that the support for such affected children must come from Government Organizations, while 15% believed that Non-Governmental Organizations must support these children. 28% professionals believed that the child support and welfare committee should play a role in supporting these children. However, 50% study participants were of the opinion that the primary support must be community-based. On analyzing statistically, level of knowledge and awareness were found to be statistically significant (P = 0.05). Conclusion: There appears to be a good amount of knowledge and attitude among both medical and dental professionals regarding POCSO Act.

Research on the Governance of Teacher-perpetrated Child Sexual Abuse in Rural Areas : Analysis of 130 Judgment Documents from China

Research on the Governance of Teacher-perpetrated Child Sexual Abuse in Rural Areas : Analysis of 130 Judgment Documents from China

A Mindfulness-Integrated Therapeutic Approach to Enhance Client Engagement with Prolonged Exposure and Habit Reversal Therapy and Bolster Therapist Trainee Self-Efficacy and Distress Tolerance

Despite the established efficacy of exposure-based trauma treatments, such as prolonged exposure (PE), clinicians’ and clients’ concerns about these therapies hinder their widespread implementation. Clinicians report experiencing low self-efficacy and high distress when delivering PE, while patients doubt the credibility of this treatment, contributing to patient dropout. To tackle such challenges, mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches have been used. In the current case involving PTSD due to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and coercive sex, trichotillomania, excoriation disorder, and depression, mindfulness practices and principles were woven into PE and habit reversal therapy (HRT). The therapist, a trainee with no prior trauma treatment experience, felt that her ability to manage the client’s distress during treatment and her confidence in delivering therapy was enhanced by her own mindfulness practice, and further reinforced by the pervasive integration of mindfulness throughout treatment. Likewise, the client attributed her capacity to engage in PE and HRT to the mindfulness practices and principles woven into treatment. Mindfulness also assisted in coalescing the concomitant delivery of PE and HRT. Following 21 sessions of mindfulness-integrated PE and 17 sessions of mindfulness-integrated HRT, the client no longer met criteria for PTSD and depression, eradicated her body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), and disclosed her index trauma with loved ones. These improvements were maintained at one-year follow-up, underscoring the potency of mindfulness therapeutic integration to enhance therapists’ distress tolerance and self-efficacy, clients’ treatment engagement, and overall therapeutic outcomes in complex cases.