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This text discusses the impact of abuse on children, statistics on abuse cases, and children's behaviors and tendencies when facing abuse. It emphasizes the importance of adult intervention and support.
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Learning from one another Responding confidently to safeguard children who have been sexually abused
Responding confidently to safeguard children who have been sexually abused “Abuse breaks something sacred inside us … the most important harm I have wrestled with is one that complicates how we solve the problem of sexual abuse. It is the problem of a broken heart. Adults can better bear a broken heart…but it doesn’t work that way for children. When children are betrayed and they get no help for the wound, they develop a pinched outlook on love and on life” Fran Henry, Founder of Stop it Now!
What hasn’t changed: some static statistics • Most adult survivors didn’t disclose as children and don’t disclose as adults • 1 in 6 children are victims of sexual abuse (Cawson et al) • 8 out of 10 abusers are known to the child • Over 90% of allegations do not result in convictions • Less than 10% of child sexual abuse is dealt with by the criminal courts. Most is not reported to the authorities.
What do we know about children? • In general, they don’t expect adults to harm them • They feel they have got to do as they are told • They don’t expect to be lied to • They expect adults to be honest • They think adults know best • They believe the threats they are told
What do we know about children? • They depend on adults who are close to them for their survival • They are taught that adults know best – they look for clues from family about what is OK and not OK • They may not know how to tell • They may want the abuse to stop but want to keep the relationship with the perpetrator • They may be fearful of the consequences of telling on someone, especially if that person is a close attachment figure: What will happen? What won’t happen?
What do we know about children? • Effects of abuse-related stress can seriously damage development – including the pattern of brain development • Early detection and intervention with children can drastically reduce harmful effects (Glaser, 2006)
Gridlock Abused child Parent/carer Abuser Together we can prevent child sexual abuse