Victims Of Child Sexual Abuse Research Articles

Gender and victim stereotypes in perceptions of child sexual abuse in Puerto Rico

AbstractFactors such as cultural norms and stereotypes influence how child sexual abuse (CSA) is perceived in relation to gender of the offender and perceptions of responsibility and harm in Puerto Rico. Finkelhor and Browne's traumagenic dynamics model served as the theoretical framework for the investigation because it addresses four key factors related to the experience of CSA victims. A total of 525 people living in Puerto Rico participated in the study. They were asked to read a hypothetical case of CSA by a teacher with a minor student and answer related questions. Point‐biserial correlational analyses were used to assess the influence of gender of the offender on perceptions of CSA. Results of the study indicated the male offender was attributed more responsibility and harm for the offence. Both male and female minor victims were identified by participants as partly responsible for the offence. Male and female offenders were identified as victims. Findings of this study could help to improve understanding of cultural differences in perceptions of CSA cases and its consequences.

Iconography of Child Sexual Abuse in the News (Justice and Crime Reporting)

Iconography of Child Sexual Abuse in the News (Justice and Crime Reporting)

Evaluation and simultaneous determination of rectal mucosa markers by multiplex reverse transcription-PCR for biological evidence of sexual assault with anal penetration

Sexual assault with anal penetration is closely related to child sexual abuse or male victims. However, it is difficult to prove such an act by using biological samples collected from the surface of a suspected object because procedures for identifying rectal mucosa have not been developed sufficiently. Therefore, for the specific identification of rectal mucosa, mRNA markers reported to be characteristically expressed in the rectum were screened and a multiplex RT-PCR procedure was developed for the simultaneous determination of those candidate markers. The detectability and specificity of rectal mucosa candidate markers were evaluated using rectal mucosa samples and forensically relevant body fluids. Diluted or mixed samples were also tested to evaluate the applicability of this procedure for forensic casework. As a result, simultaneous amplification and determination of the selected candidates (PHGR1, MUC13, CLCA1, MEP1A, CDX1, and ZG16) and reference gene were successfully performed using a multiplex RT-PCR assay combined with capillary electrophoresis and fragment analysis. Applying the cutoff values, none of the other body fluids cross-reacted with rectal mucosa candidate markers. Because the low sensitivity and detectability of some candidate markers could be compensated for by their simultaneous detection, all six candidate markers were considered to be applicable as rectal mucosa markers. Besides, the developed assay should not be performed on suspicious fecal samples directly because these markers could be positive in the fecal samples themselves. The developed multiplex RT-PCR procedure might not be suitable for minute or diluted samples; however, it might be resistant to contamination with sexual assault-related body fluids. In conclusion, the simultaneous determination of selected rectal mucosa markers with a biological sample collected from the surface of a suspected object could be beneficial for criminal investigation of sexual assault with anal penetration.

Child Sexual Abuse: How Is the Victim Represented in Portuguese Sentences

ABSTRACT Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a global problem with severe consequences for victims and their development, with various resulting consequences. Sentences regarding CSA crimes can be unconsciously influenced by extralegal factors. This study aimed to understand how Portuguese CSA victims are represented in judges’ sentencing of offenders. Twenty-seven sentences of CSA, from a Portuguese database, were thoroughly analyzed through thematic analysis. Six main themes pertaining to the victim, emerged from the sentences’ analysis: (i) emotional response during statements; (ii) reported details and reactions; (iii) credibility and reliability of statements; (iv) revelation and secret-keeping; (v) victim’s trajectory; and (vi) impact on the victim. The assessment of the credibility of the victim’s statements proved to be central across all sentences. Data related to external sources, namely judges’ personal beliefs, physical evidence, and witnesses, emerged. Legal and psychosocial factors were identified, with the latter consisting of victim-blaming and legitimization of sexual violence. As for the practical implications of these findings, we argue that a fair exercise of justice, and improvement of the efficacy of prosecution of CSA is only possible through identification of these sensitive issues and adequate addressal of them during magistrates’ training.

Diversity of adaptation profiles in youth victims of child sexual abuse.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with long-term negative consequences in adolescents, but some survivors display resilience. The purpose of this study was to delineate profiles of adaptation in adolescent victims of CSA and to examine their associations with individual and environmental-systemic protective factors. As part of a population-based survey, 8,230 high school students were questioned about CSA and completed measures assessing a host of protective factors and indicators of positive adaptation across 5 domains: self-perception, academic success, mental health, health risk behaviors and romantic relationships. Using a latent class analysis, a best fitting model of 4 classes was identified. This model included a reference group of nonsexually abused teenagers and 3 classes characterizing survivors of CSA: Resilient profile (33% of youth), Externalized profile (34% of youth) and Internalized profile (33% of youth). Sexually abused youth assigned to the Resilient profile were similar to nonsexually abused youth in terms of self-esteem, academic performance, absence of clinical levels of psychological distress and dating violence. Despite experiencing CSA of comparable severity, youth in the Resilient profile reported more optimism and were less likely to rely on avoidant or emotional strategies to cope with difficulties and more likely to report high maternal and paternal support. Findings highlight the utility of a person-oriented approach to enhance our understanding of the diversity of adaptation profiles in youth victims of CSA. Results also underscore the importance of tailoring intervention efforts to efficiently tackle the diverse needs of teen victims of CSA. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

A Bicentric Study of Psychiatric Illness among Pediatric Population Patients with a History of Sexual Abuse

Background: The present study assessed the psychiatric diseases in victims of childhood sexual abuse from intact and broken families.
 Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the PMC hospital, Nawabshah and Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences, GAMBAT between February 2020 to January 2022. 60 (30 in each group) children were included with the ages of 5-16 years,. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Children with reported sexual abuse who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this study. All children included in the study were screened for psychological disturbances through the Urdu version of SDQ. The severity of symptoms was assessed based on ICD-10 criteria.
 Results: There was a significant relationship between the identity of the perpetrator with the stability of the family. In victims belonging to the intact family system, the perpetrator was mostly an outsider while, in cases of broken families, oftentimes, the abuser was a relative or known to the victim. 44.44% of individuals belonging to broken families were abused within the confinements of the home. 17.8% of children from unstable families had mixed anxiety and depression disorder, while the rate was lower among children who had intact families. Surprisingly, only five children altogether had post-traumatic stress disorder. Hyperkinetic disorder and conduct disorder was significantly more prevalent in victims belonging to a broken family system.
 Conclusion: Childhood sexual abuse and its resultant psychiatric morbidity are equally common in children from intact and broken families. However further research with a greater sample size from multiple centers is needed.
 Keywords: Childhood sexual abuse, Psychiatric morbidity, Broken family.

IDENTIFICATION OF SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN AS SURVIVORS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AT THE SURABAYA EMBUN FOUNDATION

Introduction: Violence is an act that can cause an injury and affects other people both physically and psychologically as opposed to the law. Violence can be considered a crime. In general, violence targets groups or parties that are vulnerable. Children are part of vulnerable groups to violent behavior, including child abuse. According to DPKP3A data, there are 38 children victims of sexual abuse. Methods: This research aims to describe the existence of social support for children as victims of domestic violence at the Embun Surabaya Foundation. This foundation focuses on protecting and empowering children and women who are victims of exploitation and violence. This research used a qualitative approach with phenomenology methods supported by data collection using in-depth interviews and observations. The informants of this research were five people consisting of four girls who were victims of domestic violence and one supervisor staff at the Surabaya Embun Foundation. Result: The results indicate that children as victims of domestic violence at the Embun Surabaya Foundation receive excellent social support in informational support, emotional support, appraisal support, and instrumental support. These four supports have brought victims to accept themselves and increase their confidence. Conclusion: The four supports are given by their families (families that are not included in the perpetrators of violence) and the staff of the Embun Surabaya Foundation. Keywords: Violence, child abuse, social support

Reactions to the disclosure of intrafamilial childhood sexual abuse: Findings from the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline

IntroductionFor child sexual abuse (CSA) victims, disclosure can be helpful or harmful depending on how recipients respond. Despite a growing body of literature examining reactions to disclosure, little is known about the experiences of current CSA victims, particularly those abused by family. ObjectiveWe aimed to describe and explore the initial disclosure experiences of intrafamilial CSA victims, and whether reactions varied based on the type of disclosure recipient. Participants and settingThis study utilized anonymous, archival data from the US-based National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (NSAOH), and focused on a sample of 224 intrafamilial CSA victims who had previously disclosed to one type of recipient. MethodsNSAOH staff summarized children's disclosure experiences via an open-ended survey field. Data were independently coded using the Social Reactions Questionnaire. ResultsNearly three-fourths (73%) of children described receiving a negative reaction to disclosure. Negative reactions included distracting or dismissing the victim (33%), not believing the victim (29%), or retaliating or responding violently following disclosure (10%). Children most frequently disclosed abuse to non-offending family (66%), friends (17%), and formal support providers (12%). Relative to friends and intimate partners, victims were more likely to discuss negative reactions from family (49% v 87%, respectively, Cramer's V = 0.33, p < 0.001). ConclusionsDisclosing to non-offending family may be unproductive and potentially harmful for some children. This study has implications for disclosure-related planning protocols on anonymous hotlines. Findings underscore the importance of educating the public, and parents in particular, about how to respond to CSA disclosures.

Child Sexual Abuse Victimization: Focus on Self-Compassion.

Child Sexual Abuse Victimization: Focus on Self-Compassion.

Imposition of Criminal Sanction Against Sexual Offenders from the Perspective of Child Protection Laws

While the Indonesian government has passed the Law on Child Protection to ensure the fulfillment of children's rights, there remain a substantial number of children who are victims of sexual violence. In fact, the cases reached 14,517 in 2021. For that reason, this paper aims to discuss the imposition of criminal sanction against sexual abusers and law protection for child victims of sexual abuse. This paper is a normative legal research that puts emphasis on the legal approach, especially the Child Protection Law. Regulations on procedures for imposition of sanction against sexual offenders are already included in the Child Protection Law, despite the fact that sanctions are not explicitly defined since there are minimum and maximum criminal sanctions. Therefore, it is perceived that judges can impose minimal criminal sanctions, including chemical castration, which is one of the additional sanctions as regulated in Law Number 17 of 2016. For those categorized as child victims, psychological advocacy is important to recover their mental condition and to move on from past trauma. This has been regulated as special protection that takes the forms of reproductive health education, inculcation of religious values and decency; social rehabilitation; psychosocial advocacy toward healing; and protection and advocacy at every stage of trial, from investigation, prosecution, up to examination in court. Imposition of criminal sanctions against the offender and advocacy for child victims of sexual abuse must be optimally implemented to ensure their optimal growth and development to become this country’s future generation that succeed in making their dream come true.

Are there legal consequences from procedural mistakes in handling child sexual abuse victims in Indonesia?

The alleged rape case of a child at East Luwu in 2019 was terminated due to lack of evidence. Because of the news from mass media, the case was reopened in 2021 but was obstructed due to the need to wait for new evidence. This article does not discuss the evidence but highlights the procedure for handling child sexual victims that are used by several institutions. There are several institutions that can be involved in helping accompany and handle cases involving children as victims. At regional levels, there is the Integrated Service Center for the Empowerment of Women and Children (P2TP2A) whose duty is to give information, consultation on psychology and law, accompaniment and advocation, and services on medication and shelter. And the National Police of the Republic of Indonesia has the authority to start handling a criminal case. According to news from Vice.com, the case at North Luwu was originally reported by the victim’s mother to The Integrated Service Center for The Empowerment of Women And Children East Luwu. The officer then summoned the victim’s father who was the suspect. The officer reasoned that the mother’s report needed to be confirmed. The victim’s mother then reported the case to East Luwu Police Station. The police did an investigation, without the parents, law advisors, social workers, or even psychologists. This case then snowballed, and the evidence was put into question, without many highlights to the handling procedure that was used by The Integrated Service Center for The Empowerment of Women And Children officers and police force. How should the procedure on handling the child sexual victim have been done? If a mistake in the handling procedure occurred, are there any legal consequences? This article was developed as normative research, using statutory regulations, research results, and the opinion of law experts, as well as case progression from credible mass media.

Nonoffending Caregiver Support After Child Sexual Abuse: Essentials for the Forensic Nurse.

Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pediatric health problem of epidemic proportions. CSA can result in significant lifelong physical and mental health consequences. A disclosure of CSA affects not only the child but also everyone close to the child. Nonoffending caregiver support after a disclosure of CSA is key to optimal victim functioning. Forensic nurses play an integral role in the care of CSA victims and are uniquely positioned to ensure best outcomes for both child victims and their nonoffending caregivers. In this article the concept of nonoffending caregiver support is explored, and = implications for forensic nursing practice delineated.

A sexual abuse case series of infants and toddlers by a professional caregiver: A qualitative analysis of parents' experiences during the initial crisis period post-discovery

BackgroundThe discovery that one's child has been sexually abused may be one of the worst events a parent can experience. The importance of parental support for the recovery of child sexual abuse (CSA) victims emphasizes the need to gain insight in difficulties parents face after disclosure. ObjectiveTo improve crisis intervention by exploring how parents of very young, mostly male CSA victims involved in a large unique CSA case, look back on their initial reactions after disclosure, the impact of media coverage, and their experiences with service responses during the immediate aftermath of CSA discovery. Participants and settingWe conducted 18 qualitative interviews with 21 parents enrolled in the longitudinal Amsterdam Sexual Abuse Case (ASAC) study. MethodsWe used thematic analysis, combining a deductive and inductive approach. ResultsWe identified four themes regarding parents' initial experiences after disclosure: shock, uncertainty, roller coaster and survival mode. Four themes emerged regarding the impact of media coverage: vulnerable to exposure, fear that the child would recognize the suspect, no escape possible, and burden versus acknowledgement. Parents' experiences regarding the actions of professionals also generated four themes: stressful and confronting, need for support, need for information, and need for professional competence. ConclusionsDisclosure of extrafamilial CSA left parents in shock, affecting their sense of control. Media coverage exacerbated stress for many parents, although some also drew support from it. Actions of professionals defined by parents as helpful included: being supportive, compassionate, accessible, and competent, providing information, and promoting autonomy. Implications for professionals are discussed.

Shadows into Light: The Potential Investigative Utility of Voice Analysis with Two Types of Online Child-Sex Predators

ABSTRACT Over 390,000 child sexual abuse victims in the United States have not yet been identified. Due to the increased prevalence of Internet-driven child-sex offenders (e.g., child pornographers and travelers), detection becomes more elusive, and disclosure elicitations are more challenging for law enforcement. The current retrospective study examines an innovative, investigative method of voice stress analysis use, and describes its possible utility in identifying previously undetected sexual offending within these two offender populations. In the total sample of 82 arrestees with no known history of “hands-on” sexual offending, 0% initially admitted to sexually abusing at least one child. However, coinciding with voice stress analysis procedures, 40.2% of the suspect pool (57.1% of child pornographers and 36.7% of travelers) provided admissions to hands-on offenses. Also, 80.5% admitted to at least one sex crime offense during the pre and posttest stages of the investigation. All voice stress analysis “Stress Indicated” examinations resulted in verifiable disclosures (of victims and sex crimes). Critically, as a result of voice stress analysis procedures, 87 previously undiscovered live victims were identified. Finally, this study’s description of specific characteristics and predictive qualities of victimizers vs. non-victimizers in each offender-type should benefit future investigators, researchers, and therapists alike.

Evaluation of Juvenile and Adolescent Sexual Abuse Victims: A Retrospective Study

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics and the mental, anogenital, and physical examination findings of child and adolescent sexual abuse victims and to discuss them in the light of the literature.Materials and Methods:This study included a total of 134 children and adolescent cases between the ages of 0 and 18 who were victims of sexual abuse, from among the reports prepared in the Forensic Medicine Clinic of Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital between 2015 and 2019.Results:This study included 134 cases: 113 (84.3%) were female and 21 (15.7%) were male. The mean age was 13 ± 3.4 years (min: 3, max: 17). The average age of the defendants was 25.6 ± 13 years (min: 12, max: 75), and all the defendants were male. The defendants were strangers in 60 cases (4.8%). Sexual abuse mostly occurred as vaginal penetration in 46 cases (34.3%). Sixty–nine (51.5%) cases were exposed to abuse more than once. Depression due to sexual abuse developed in 14 (10.4%) of the cases.Conclusion:Considering that many child abuse victims have normal examination findings, it should not be forgotten that the interview and psychiatric examination with the child are as valuable as the genital examination.

From Vulnerability to Security: A Journey of Survival from Childhood Sexual Abuse

This study delves into the experiences of adult survivors from childhood sexual abuse in the province of Southern Leyte. It aims to look into the negative experiences of the adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse as well as the coping mechanisms they use to overcome traumatic experiences. Through a qualitative research using Collaizi’s descriptive phenomenological data analysis, six emergent themes were identified. The identified themes cover the following: 1) Vulnerability comes when non- abusive guardians are away; 2) helplessness is learned; 3) late disclosure of the abusive acts, 4) security from the abusers’ comeback; 5) therapy with a sexually abused child and; 6) resiliency in adversity. The findings indicated that both the non-abusive guardian who trusted their female child to a male guardian and those who have knowledge about child sexual abuse but failed to report to the police have participation in the occurrence of sexual abuse. Hence, our study recommended for criminalizing their act as a proactive response. The study also suggests that the police officers who responded to child abuse cases should consider more weight on providing security than to give justice to the victim. A further research on the intervention received by the victims of childhood sexual abuse from the police officers and social workers might contribute to the value added by this study.

ANALISIS PERAN PEKERJA SOSIAL DALAM PENANGANAN ANAK KORBAN KEKERASAN SEKSUAL DI KOTA BENGKULU

ABSTRACT Sexual violence experienced by children can have an impact on the physical, psychological and social conditions of children that affect the growth and development of children in the future. On that basis, handling child victims of sexual violence requires the role of various parties, including social workers. Child social workers aim to provide assistance, rehabilitation, and protection of children's rights. The purpose of this study seeks to describe the roles and obstacles in dealing with child victims of sexual violence in Bengkulu City. This study uses a descriptive qualitative approach, with 5 informants using interview, observation and documentation studies. The results showed that the role of social workers in dealing with child victims of sexual violence could be in the form of facilitator, broker, initiator, protector, and advocate. There are five inhibiting factors in carrying out the role: (a) Barriers in funding (b) lack of facilities and infrastructure related to protection, (c) social welfare service centers that are not yet available (d) lack of professional human resources in dealing with children's problems, (e) Limited networks make it difficult for social workers to refer victims of child sexual abuse to clinical psychologists. Keywords: Role, Social Worker, Child Victim of Sexual Violence

Evaluation of Juvenile and Adolescent Sexual Abuse Victims: A Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic characteristics and the mental, anogenital, and physical examination findings of child and adolescent sexual abuse victims and to discuss them in the light of the literature. This study included a total of 134 children and adolescent cases between the ages of 0 and 18 who were victims of sexual abuse, from among the reports prepared in the Forensic Medicine Clinic of Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal Training and Research Hospital between 2015 and 2019. This study included 134 cases: 113 (84.3%) were female and 21 (15.7%) were male. The mean age was 13 ± 3.4 years (min: 3, max: 17). The average age of the defendants was 25.6 ± 13 years (min: 12, max: 75), and all the defendants were male. The defendants were strangers in 60 cases (4.8%). Sexual abuse mostly occurred as vaginal penetration in 46 cases (34.3%). Sixty-nine (51.5%) cases were exposed to abuse more than once. Depression due to sexual abuse developed in 14 (10.4%) of the cases. Considering that many child abuse victims have normal examination findings, it should not be forgotten that the interview and psychiatric examination with the child are as valuable as the genital examination.

Study on Victims of Child Abuse: A Study Conducted in Two Teaching Hospitals in Sri Lanka

<strong><em>Introduction: </em></strong>Child abuse is a global public health problem and proper intervention strategies need a greater understanding of risk factors that can contribute to it. This study was conducted in order to identify the undetected contributory factors that lead to child abuse cases. <em> </em> <strong><em>Methodology: </em></strong>All children (less than 18 years of age) who were brought for medico legal examination with alleged abuse to two reputed teaching hospitals during a period of 1 and ½ years were included. Required details were obtained through an interviewer administered questionnaire after obtaining the consent. <em> </em> <strong><em>Results: </em></strong>Out of the 186 children, more than 80% presented following sexual abuse and the majority (n=173) were females. Further, n=118 (75%) of the victims of child sexual abuse were between the age group of 13 to 15 years. Moreover, 75% of the victims of sexual abuse were from low income families. Parents of 100% of the victims of physical abuse and 60% of the victims of sexual abuse had educational qualifications below ordinary level. 82% of the victims of physical abuse were having dysfunctional family background, specially use of ethanol by parents (65%). Parental separation was the form of family dysfunction that was associated with sexual abuse. <em> </em> <strong><em>Conclusion: </em></strong>Poor income, poor parental education and dysfunctional family background could be identified as predisposing factors for child abuse. However, the association of these factors vary with different types of child abuse, thus preventive strategies should be planned accordingly.

How Plausible are the Accounts of Child Victims of Sexual Abuse? A Study of Bizarre and Unusual Scripts Reported by Children

ABSTRACT Child sexual abuse is a serious social problem. In reports of sexually abused children, victims’ narratives often contain elements that suggest the abuse was recorded to create images for child pornography with sadistic, bizarre, or perverted details. The presence of unusual or bizarre elements in the accounts of abused children affects their credibility. The purpose of this paper is to assess the presence and prevalence of these elements in the reports of children with suspected sexual abuse and to examine their consistency with verified cases of child abuse. We conducted two studies. In Study 1, we developed a list of 16 categories of unusual and bizarre scripts reported by children in reports of sexual abuse. In Study 2, we validated the list by examining the presence of the identified scripts in the actual experiences of both individuals convicted of crimes related to child pornography and Italian police officers who were involved with child pornography as part of their official duties. Our findings suggest that children’s accounts of sexual abuse should be considered credible even if they contain unusual or bizarre elements that also occur in child pornography and therefore may reflect events actually experienced rather than merely the child’s fantasy or imagination.