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'''Sexual abuse''' (also referred to as '''molestation''') is defined by the forcing of undesired sexual acts by one person to another. The term [[incest]] is defined as sexual abuse between family members, and the slang term "bad touch" is used to describe such abuse.
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'''Sexual abuse''', also referred to as '''molestation''', is the forcing of undesired sexual acts by one person upon another. The offender is referred to as a '''molester'''/'''molestor'''/'''abuser'''/'''sexual abuser'''. When the victim is younger than the [[age of consent]], it is referred to as [[child sexual abuse]].
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Types of sexual abuse include:
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Different types of sexual abuse involve:
  
 
*Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as [[rape]] or [[sexual assault]]
  
*Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as [[rape]] or [[sexual assault]]
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*Psychological forms of abuse, such as verbal sexual behavior or [[stalking]].
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*The use of a [[position of trust]] to compel non-consensual sexual behavior without physical force
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*[[Incest]], when it is coerced by force or emotional [[manipulation]]; the euphemism "bad touch" is sometimes used to describe such abuse.<ref>{{wikicite | id=Renvoizé-1982| reference= Renvoizé, Jean (1982). ''Incest: A Family Pattern'', London: Routledge & Kegan Paul. ISBN 0-71009-073-0.}}</ref>
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*The use of a [[position of trust]] for sexual purposes.
  
   
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==Spousal abuse==
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The most visible signs of sexual abuse are signs of injury to parts of the body that can be covered by a bathing suit. Pregnancy may also result.
  
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{{main|Spousal abuse}}
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'''Spousal abuse''' is the term applied to the specific form of [[domestic violence]], where [[physical abuse|physical]] or sexual abuse is perpetrated by one spouse upon another. Frequently this involves forced sex (spousal rape) upon a spouse without his or her consent. Spousal abuse is inclusive of sexual abuse toward spouses ('''spousal sexual abuse)'''
   
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==Occupational misconduct==
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==Spousal sexual abuse==
  
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:''Main article: [[Spousal abuse]]''
  
⚫
'''Spousal abuse''' is the term applied to the specific form of [[domestic violence]], where [[physical abuse|physical]] or sexual abuse is perpetrated by one spouse upon another. Frequently this involves forced sex (spousal rape) upon a spouse without their consent.
  
   
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{{Main|Professional client sexual relations}}
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==Therapist abuse==
  
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{{main|Sexual harassment}}
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Clients within psychological therapy may be sexually abused by their therapists. See [[Sexual abuse in therapy]]
  
   
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Sexual misconduct in occupational and educational settings can occur where one person makes use of their position of authority in order to compel compliance. A university student may feel compelled to comply with a professor's sexual advances for fear of being given a failing grade. Or an employee may likewise be coerced in exchange for not being terminated.
   
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==Sexual abuse of children/minors==
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==Students and sexual harassment ==
  
  ⚫
{{main|Child sexual abuse}}
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Students may be the victims of unwanted sexual attention by teachers and professors, see [[Sexual harassment in education#Sexual harassment and abuse of students by teachers|Sexual harassment by teachers]].
 
   
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[[Child sexual abuse]] refers to sexual abuse of a [[child]] (see also: [[minor (law)|minor]]) by an [[adult]], or some other person significantly older or in a position of power or control over the child, where the child is used for sexual stimulation of another person.<ref>''Guidelines for Psychological Evaluations in Child Protection Matters,'' American Psychological Association, February 1998.</ref> Studies of the effects of child sexual abuse often define it as including invitations or requests in addition to actual actions, with regard to any [[sexual activity|sexual interactions]] between adult and [[child]], from kissing or hugging to completed intercourse, and all other related activities.<ref>Martin, J., Anderson, J., Romans, S., et al (1993). "Asking about child sexual abuse: methodological implications of a two-stage survey," ''Child Abuse and Neglect'', 17, 383–392.</ref><ref>Matt Reynolds, [http://www.praguepost.com/articles/2005/08/24/qatari-prince-is-sent-home.php Qatari prince is sent home], The Prague Post</ref>
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Because students and faculty members have unequal power and authority, flirtatious and sexual behavior by a faculty member toward a student is often classified as a misuse of power, and may carry serious consequences such as the filing of charges of [[sexual harassment]] and/or termination of employment.
  
   
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The [[American Psychiatric Association]] states that "children cannot consent to sexual activity with adults",<ref name="apaposition">[http://www.leadershipcouncil.org/1/rind/apa.html Leadership Council - APA Statement on Child Sexual Abuse] Quote: "...it is the position of the Association that children cannot consent to sexual activity with adults."</ref><ref name="delay">[http://www.apa.org/releases/delay.html APA Letter to the Honorable Rep. DeLay (R-Tx.)]</ref> and condemns the action of the adult in strong terms: "An adult who engages in sexual activity with a child is performing a criminal and immoral act which never can be considered normal or socially acceptable behavior."<ref name="apaposition" />
   
  +
Sexual misconduct by teachers is common in American schools according to a recent report in 2007.<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/10/21/teacher.sex.abuse.ap/index.html Sexual misconduct plagues U.S. schools, AP reports - CNN.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
   
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==Sexual abuse of minors==
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==Sexual abuse of people with developmental disabilities==
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{{Main|Sexual abuse of people with developmental disabilities}}
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:''Main article: [[Child sexual abuse]]
  
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People with developmental disabilities are often victims of sexual abuse. According to research people with disabilities are at a greater risk for [[victimization]] of sexual assault or sexual abuse because of lack of understanding (Sobsey & Varnhagen, 1989). The rate of sexual abuse happening to people with disabilities is shocking, yet most of these cases will go unnoticed. (:)
   
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==Childhood sexual abuse carried on into adulthood==
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In the majority of cultures and countries, sex is legal and acceptable only if both parties give [[consent (criminal)|consent]].
 
  +
For some children experiencing [[Childhood sexual abuse]] it may stop for various reasons, a girl may reach puberty, another child may be embolden to confront the abuse, the abuser may lose desire or die. For others though the sexual relationship may continue into adulthood which brings with it extra layers of shame and guilt which require attention in psychotherapy.
   
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==Psychological impact of sexual abuse==
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The age of consent, that is, the age at which the law presumes a person has the physical, emotional and sexual maturity to make an informed adult decision to enter into sexual activity, differs from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, from a low teenage in [[Italy]] and [[Spain]] to a mid to high teens age elsewhere, for example 16 in the [[United Kingdom]], 17 in [[Ireland]], 18 in [[India]]. (Some states also provide different ages of consent for homosexual boys as against heterosexual boys and girls.) Yet separately the law may specify a different age where a teenager ceases to be a child and becomes an adult. As a result, where a difference exists, it may be perfectly legal to have sex with a child where the individual, though still deemed a child in law, is above the age of consent specified in local legislation. In most cases, the age of consent and statutory rape laws aim at protecting children and teenagers from [[exploitation]], particularly physical or psychological exploitation involving sexual behavior.
  
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{{Main|Childhood sexual abuse and subsequent mental health}}
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==See also==
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*[[Abuse reporting]]
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*[[Anatomically detailed dolls]]
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*[[Family violence]]
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*[[Paraphilias]]
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*[[Pedophilia]]
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*[[Pelvic pain and sexual abuse]]
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*[[Sexually transmitted diseases and sexual abuse]]
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  +
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==References==
  +
{{reflist}}
  +
  +
{{wikicite | id=Sorenson-1997| reference= Sorenson,Susan B. (1997). ''Violence and Sexual Abuse at Home: Current Issues in Spousal Battering and Child Maltreatment'', New York: Haworth Press. ISBN 1-56024-681-2.}}
   
 
==Further reading==
  
==Further reading==
   
  +
* Bass, Ellen and Laura Davis, 1988 (3rd ed. 1994). ''The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse''. Harper Collins Publishers.
 
* Aba, C. (1992). ''Sexual Assaults on Students.'' London: Harper and Row.
  
* Aba, C. (1992). ''Sexual Assaults on Students.'' London: Harper and Row.
 
* Billie Wright Dzeich and Linda Weiner, 1984 (2nd ed. 1990). ''The Lecherous Professor: Sexual Harassment on Campus.'' Boston: Beacon Press.
  
* Billie Wright Dzeich and Linda Weiner, 1984 (2nd ed. 1990). ''The Lecherous Professor: Sexual Harassment on Campus.'' Boston: Beacon Press.
  +
* Cotheffe, James ''Gay Men and Childhood Sexual Trauma: Integrating the Shattered Self''.
 
* Doris Van Stone, (1990). ''No Place to Cry: The Hurt and Healing of Sexual Abuse.'' Moody Publishers.
  
* Doris Van Stone, (1990). ''No Place to Cry: The Hurt and Healing of Sexual Abuse.'' Moody Publishers.
  +
* Haines, Staci ''The Survivors Guide to Sex: How to Have an Empowered Sex Life after Child Sexual Abuse.''
−
* [[Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson]]: ''The Assault on Truth: Freud's Suppression of the Seduction Theory'' (1984) ISBN 0-374-10642-8, (2003 Ballantine Books, ISBN 0345452798)
  
  +
* Haines, Staci ''Healing Sex'' (DVD) A diverse cast of men and women explore peace, healing and intimacy post-abuse.
  +
* Lew, Mike. ''Victime No Longer: Men Recovering from Incest and Other Sexual Child Abuse''.
  +
* Wishart, G.D. (2003) ''The Sexual Abuse of People with Learning Difficulties: Do We Need A Social Model Approach To Vulnerability?'', Journal of Adult Protection, Volume 5 (Issue 3)
   
 
== External links ==
  
== External links ==
  +
*{{dmoz|Society/Support_Groups/Sexual_Abuse|Sexual abuse}}
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* [http://www.rainn.org RAINN - The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network]
  
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* [http://www.theawarenesscenter.org The Awareness Center, Inc. - The Jewish Coalition Against Sexual Abuse/Assault]
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*[http://www.rainn.org/ Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network] RAINN is the largest anti-sexual assault organization and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotlines.
  +
*[http://creativehealthsource.com/abuse.html Gender Male - False Accusations of Sexual Abuse] Chilling first-hand accounts from men falsely accused of rape--and it's affect on their lives.
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* [http://www.jimhopper.com/male-ab/ Sexual Abuse of Males website]
  
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*[http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8231186990016682219&q=living+smart+%23206&hl=en Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse]
  
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* [http://www.liberatedfromabuse.com Liberated From Abuse--Sexual Abuse Education]
  
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* [http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/57154/living_with_your_partners_ptsd.com/ Living With Your Partner's PTSD: When The Woman You Love is a Victim]
  
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{{psych-stub}}
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{{Sex}}
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{{Sexual ethics}}
   
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[[Category:Antisocial behavior]]
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[[Category:Sex offences]]
 
[[Category:Sexual abuse]]
  
[[Category:Sexual abuse]]
   
 
<!--
  
<!--
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[[ca:Abús sexual]]
 
[[cs:Pohlavní zneužívání]]
  
[[cs:Pohlavní zneužívání]]
 
[[de:Sexueller Missbrauch]]
  
[[de:Sexueller Missbrauch]]
 
[[es:Abuso sexual]]
  
[[es:Abuso sexual]]
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[[it:Abuso sessuale]]
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[[fr:Agression sexuelle]]
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[[nl:Seksueel geweld]]
 
[[ja:性的虐待]]
  
[[ja:性的虐待]]
 
[[no:Seksuelt overgrep]]
  
[[no:Seksuelt overgrep]]
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[[oc:Abús sexual]]
 
[[pt:Abuso sexual]]
  
[[pt:Abuso sexual]]
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[[sv:Sexuellt övergrepp]]
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[[ro:Abuz sexual]]
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[[ru:Сексуальное злоупотребление]]
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[[simple:Sexual abuse]]
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[[sk:Sexuálne zneužívanie]]
 
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Revision as of 22:06, 16 July 2010

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Sexual abuse, also referred to as molestation, is the forcing of undesired sexual acts by one person upon another. The offender is referred to as a molester/molestor/abuser/sexual abuser. When the victim is younger than the age of consent, it is referred to as child sexual abuse. Types of sexual abuse include:

  • Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape or sexual assault
  • The use of a position of trust to compel non-consensual sexual behavior without physical force
  • Incest, when it is coerced by force or emotional manipulation; the euphemism "bad touch" is sometimes used to describe such abuse.[1]

Spousal abuse

Main article: Spousal abuse

Spousal abuse is the term applied to the specific form of domestic violence, where physical or sexual abuse is perpetrated by one spouse upon another. Frequently this involves forced sex (spousal rape) upon a spouse without his or her consent. Spousal abuse is inclusive of sexual abuse toward spouses (spousal sexual abuse)

Occupational misconduct

Main article: Professional client sexual relations
Main article: Sexual harassment

Sexual misconduct in occupational and educational settings can occur where one person makes use of their position of authority in order to compel compliance. A university student may feel compelled to comply with a professor's sexual advances for fear of being given a failing grade. Or an employee may likewise be coerced in exchange for not being terminated.

Sexual abuse of children/minors

Main article: Child sexual abuse

Child sexual abuse refers to sexual abuse of a child (see also: minor) by an adult, or some other person significantly older or in a position of power or control over the child, where the child is used for sexual stimulation of another person.[2] Studies of the effects of child sexual abuse often define it as including invitations or requests in addition to actual actions, with regard to any sexual interactions between adult and child, from kissing or hugging to completed intercourse, and all other related activities.[3][4]

The American Psychiatric Association states that "children cannot consent to sexual activity with adults",[5][6] and condemns the action of the adult in strong terms: "An adult who engages in sexual activity with a child is performing a criminal and immoral act which never can be considered normal or socially acceptable behavior."[5]

Sexual misconduct by teachers is common in American schools according to a recent report in 2007.[7]

Sexual abuse of people with developmental disabilities

Main article: Sexual abuse of people with developmental disabilities

People with developmental disabilities are often victims of sexual abuse. According to research people with disabilities are at a greater risk for victimization of sexual assault or sexual abuse because of lack of understanding (Sobsey & Varnhagen, 1989). The rate of sexual abuse happening to people with disabilities is shocking, yet most of these cases will go unnoticed. (:)

Childhood sexual abuse carried on into adulthood

For some children experiencing Childhood sexual abuse it may stop for various reasons, a girl may reach puberty, another child may be embolden to confront the abuse, the abuser may lose desire or die. For others though the sexual relationship may continue into adulthood which brings with it extra layers of shame and guilt which require attention in psychotherapy.

Psychological impact of sexual abuse

Main article: Childhood sexual abuse and subsequent mental health

See also


References

  1. ↑ Renvoizé, Jean (1982). Incest: A Family Pattern, London: Routledge & Kegan Paul. ISBN 0-71009-073-0.
  2. ↑ Guidelines for Psychological Evaluations in Child Protection Matters, American Psychological Association, February 1998.
  3. ↑ Martin, J., Anderson, J., Romans, S., et al (1993). "Asking about child sexual abuse: methodological implications of a two-stage survey," Child Abuse and Neglect, 17, 383–392.
  4. ↑ Matt Reynolds, Qatari prince is sent home, The Prague Post
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Leadership Council - APA Statement on Child Sexual Abuse Quote: "...it is the position of the Association that children cannot consent to sexual activity with adults."
  6. ↑ APA Letter to the Honorable Rep. DeLay (R-Tx.)
  7. ↑ Sexual misconduct plagues U.S. schools, AP reports - CNN.com

Sorenson,Susan B. (1997). Violence and Sexual Abuse at Home: Current Issues in Spousal Battering and Child Maltreatment, New York: Haworth Press. ISBN 1-56024-681-2.

Further reading

  • Bass, Ellen and Laura Davis, 1988 (3rd ed. 1994). The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse. Harper Collins Publishers.
  • Aba, C. (1992). Sexual Assaults on Students. London: Harper and Row.
  • Billie Wright Dzeich and Linda Weiner, 1984 (2nd ed. 1990). The Lecherous Professor: Sexual Harassment on Campus. Boston: Beacon Press.
  • Cotheffe, James Gay Men and Childhood Sexual Trauma: Integrating the Shattered Self.
  • Doris Van Stone, (1990). No Place to Cry: The Hurt and Healing of Sexual Abuse. Moody Publishers.
  • Haines, Staci The Survivors Guide to Sex: How to Have an Empowered Sex Life after Child Sexual Abuse.
  • Haines, Staci Healing Sex (DVD) A diverse cast of men and women explore peace, healing and intimacy post-abuse.
  • Lew, Mike. Victime No Longer: Men Recovering from Incest and Other Sexual Child Abuse.
  • Wishart, G.D. (2003) The Sexual Abuse of People with Learning Difficulties: Do We Need A Social Model Approach To Vulnerability?, Journal of Adult Protection, Volume 5 (Issue 3)

External links


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Sex
Acts

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Dirty talk · Fingering · · Masturbation · Non-penetrative sex ·

Sex toys and tools

Condom · Dildo · Gel · Paddle · Vibrator · Artificial vagina · Sex doll

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v·d·e
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List of topics in sexual ethics
Age of consent

Africa  · Asia  · Oceania  · Europe  · North America  · Central America  · South America

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Teenage pregnancy  · Sex education  · Virginity pledge  · Adolescent sexual behavior  · In the United States

Human sexuality

Incest  · Sexual orientation  · Adultery  · Miscegenation ("interracial relations")

Sexual abuse

Sexual harassment  · Rape  · Statutory rape  · Child sexual abuse  · Child-on-child sexual abuse

Sex and the law

Age of consent reform  · Anti-pedophile activism  · Pro-pedophile activism  · Prostitution  · Zoosexuality law ("beastiality")  · Sodomy law


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