Sexual abuse (1)
- sexual abuse involves forcing or enticing a child or young person to take part in sexual activities, not necessarily involving a high level of violence, whether or not the child is aware of what is happening
- the activities may involve physical contact, including assault by penetration (for example, rape or oral sex) or non-penetrative acts such as masturbation, kissing, rubbing and touching outside of clothing
- may also include non-contact activities, such as involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities, encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways, or grooming a child in preparation for abuse (including via the internet)
- sexual abuse is not solely perpetrated by adult males. Women can also commit acts of sexual abuse, as can other children.
A review of child maltreatment in high-income countries estimated that 4% to 16% of children are physically abused, 10% are neglected or emotionally abused, 5% of boys and 5% to 10% of girls are exposed to penetrative sexual abuse, and 30% are exposed to any form of sexual abuse (2)
Reference
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Child abuse and neglect. Oct 2017 [internet publication].
- Gilbert R, Spatz Widom C, Browne K, et al. Burden and consequences of child maltreatment in high income countries. Lancet. 2009 Jan 3;373(9657):68-81.