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Sexual Abuse of Children
It is a topic that is avoided at all costs. Many people ignore it even if it is happening
right now. However, there are those who choose to ignore the facts. The reality is that homes,
communities, and lives have been shattered. Readers might be wondering what on earth this
is about. In a word, sexual abuse. Sexual abuse occurs when a person of any gender
(including children) is subjected to sexually explicit behaviour or an act without their consent
(World Health Organization, 2006). It describes sexual encounters between any two people,
including adults and minors. Inappropriate kissing, hugging, or other forms of physical
contact with a sexual overtone constitute sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse of children is a widespread problem. Girls make up the vast majority of
sexual abuse victims among children. Child sexual abuse is also more likely to be committed
by someone the child knows and trusts, such as a family member or close friend (Cashmore
& Shackel, 2013). Abuse of a child sexually by someone they do not know is less common
than abuse by a family member. Ninety percent of sexual offences against children are
committed by somebody the victim knew, according to studies and research (Walsh et al.,
2019). Girls are disproportionately affected by child sexual abuse, according to global
statistics. Most kids who have been sexually abused as children end up having emotional and
behavioural issues as adults. Mood and anxiety disorders, as well as guilt, sexual dysfunction,
withdrawal, and inappropriate behaviour, all contribute to this situation. Anxiety, despair, and
terror are all on the rise in today's youth. As a result, many of the young victims become
depressed, anxious, and melancholy. Depression is a real possibility if you suffer from
flashbacks of abuse or are still dealing with it on a daily basis.
Historically, sexual abuse has been pervasive, and a wide range of factors contribute
to this problem. Inadequate housing, unemployment, lack of education, marital strife,