Teen Sexual Abuse

By July 25, 2016August 3rd, 2016Uncategorized

Teen Sexual Abuse

Teen Sexual Abuse is characterized by an adult or older adolescent using a child for any form of sexual contact or sexual activity that the teen does not consent to.  Agreeing under any kind of pressure (physical or emotional) is NOT consenting.  Often the term “sexual assault” is used when the perpetrator is someone outside the family and “sexual abuse” when the perpetrator is within the family of the victim.  Sexual abuse does not always include intercourse.  It is any sexual contact that is not wanted.

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org), teen sexual abuse is unfortunately very common.  Studies have found:

  • one in four teen girls was verbally or physically pressured in to having sex in the past year
  • one in 10 high school girls–and one in 20 high school boys–reported being forced in to sex
  • one in three teens is a victim of sexual or other abuse by a dating partner each year

 

A few other alarming statistics

  • one in 10 children will be sexually abused before the age of 18
  • 90% of child sexual abuse victims know their abusers
  • of children who are sexually abused 20% are abused before the age of 8
  • only 4-8% of child sexual abuse reports are fabricated
  • use of drugs or alcohol at an early age can be a strong indicator of trauma such as sexual abuse
  • There are 42 million survivors of child sexual abuse in the U.S

There may be some indicators of a teen who has been sexually abused (this list is not all-inclusive and teens may exhibit other signs or no signs at all):

  • self-injury (cutting or burning)
  • drug and/or alcohol abuse
  • suicidal tendencies or attempts
  • poor personal hygiene
  • running away from home
  • sexual promiscuity
  • depression or anxiety
  • fear or intimacy or being close
  • compulsive eating and weight gain or dieting

 

Some of the effects of of teen Sexual Abuse can be

 

Treatment for victims of teen Sexual Abuse is typically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in both individual and group settings. Focusing on the trauma using CBT is the treatment approach used most often and is designed to provide a safe environment to discuss and overcome the traumatic experience. Using the CBT approach teaches coping skills, body safety skills, impulse control, healthy sexuality and works through feelings of shame.

If you suspect your child has been the victim of sexual abuse it is important to have open and honest communication, never blame the victim for what happened, and seek professional help if needed.