Case scenario

Aini came to the clinic complaining of itchy yellowish vaginal discharge for a month. Doctor Linda saw her  and found out that Aini had contracted  a sexually transmitted disease. She noted that Aini was only 14 yrs old and interviewed Aini alone promising her confidentiality. In  tears Aini admitted that she had been sexually abused by her own father since 6 months ago. She was very worried that she might be blamed or her parents may get separated if she tell her mother about this. She felt trapped, very sad and did not know what to do.

This is not an uncommon scenario in our clinics. You may think that this will never happen to you.. But you are wrong. Sexual abuse can happen to anyone irrespective of your background. Get some information and knowledge if not for yourself, then at least you can assist other people around you

Source: http://torontoist.com/attachments/toronto_jenr/16_6_2007sadteddy.jpg

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse is when an older adult or adolescent use an adolescent for his or her sexual gratification. Usually the victims are younger and unable to give informed consent or do not understand the consequences of the act.

There is an inequality of power between the victim and the abuser on the basis of age, physical size, and/or the nature of the emotional relationship.

Sexual abuse may take many forms, both contact and non contact and vary in terms of frequency, duration, invasiveness of the acts involved, and the use of force or coercion.

Sexual abuse can have immediate and long-term effects that span across an individual’s physical, cognitive, interpersonal, and emotional functioning.

Examples of sexual abuse

Non-contact

• Making sexual comments either in person, in writing, or by telephone

• Eg your boobs are big

• Voyeurism

• Peeping

• Photographing the victim’s intimate parts

• Showing the victim intimate photos or pornographic videos

Contact

• Tongue kissing or kissing in a sexual way

• Fondling (breasts, buttocks, or genitals) (molestation)

• Perpetrator rubbing intimate parts against the victim’s body or clothing (molestation)

• Oral sex

• Digital or object penetration

• Vaginal sex

• Anal sex

Who are the perpetrators?

Contrary to the myth that most perpetrators are strangers, adolescents typically know and trust their perpetrator. Males perpetrate the majority (80–95%) of sexual abuse.

Girls are more likely to be sexually abused by someone within their family, such as parent, stepparent, grandparent, uncle, cousin, or sibling, while boys are more likely to be sexually abused by someone outside of the family, such as a coach, teacher, neighbor, or babysitter.

The Internet is the newest medium that offenders have begun using to reach vulnerable teens children.

Why do sexual abuse happen?

Firstly please understand that is isnt your fault that you are sexually abuse. It is not how you look like, what you do or how you dress.

A person who commits sexual abuse is usually someone who fails to handle his emotion well. He or she may be sexually stimulated after watching pornographic photos or videos

What happens to the abused victim?

A sexually abused or assaulted victim will feel sad, depress and may feel like it is the end of the world. Without a good support and guide, an adolescent may end up harming him/herself. The sadness and depression may cause the adolescent to have a sleep disturbance, unable to concentrate in school, run away from home or have other behaviour issues

A sexually abused girl may end up getting pregnant or a sexually abused boy usually ends up getting involved with substance abuse. An abused adolescent may have problem making new friends and trusting other people especially so if the perpetrator is her own family member.

Source: http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/Something-Terrible-4.jpg

Source: http://i1.tribune.com.pk/529740-cartoon-1364881042-724-640×480.JPG

What can an abuse victim do?

• Most importantly DO NOT BLAME YOUR SELF. It s not your fault

• Find an adult (parents, family member, teacher) whom you trust and tell them of what had happened. Keeping quiet will make things worse.

• Contact ‘talian Nur 15999′. You can call them and get help from the services providers

• An adolescence health service is available in all health clinics. The doctors there will hear  your problems and assist you in getting further help and assistance.

• Call the police.

• Go to an emergency department in a hospital nearby. All hospitals have OSCC (one stop crisis center) to help victims of abuse

Avoiding a sexual abuse, harassment and assault

An adolescent who has reached ten years of age are advised to sleep in different rooms from their parents and siblings of the opposite sex.
Although you are living with your family members, it is still important to be aware of how you dress within that environment.

Avoid accepting food and drinks from strangers or newly acquinted friends.  The drinks or food may have been drugged

Always go out in a group of friends whom you know well . Avoid being alone or taking a lift from someone when you are alone even though it is someone you think you know well. When spending time with friends in a group ensures that there is no alcohol or other substance. Decisions made under the influence of drugs and alcohols are usually irrational decisions and which you might regret for life.

Do not go out alone with friends you have just met through WeChat, Facebook or WhatsApp. Lots of young girls get raped during these outings.

Refer to Portal My Health for adolescent under the section; sexually transmitted disease, contraception and stress management.

References:

1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_sexual_abuse

2. http://www.nsopw.gov/en/Education/Recognizing

3. Sexual Abuse of Children and Adolescents by Tracy K. Cruise, Phd Western Illinois University