In this post, we will be discussing sexual abuse and the lasting, painful effects on victims, as well as tips on effective recovery methods.
The American Psychological Association defines sexual abuse as “unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats, or taking advantage of victims not able to give consent.” This can include rape, molestation, incest, and/or sexual harassment to a person of any race, age, or sexual orientation. Child sexual abuse is considered to be “a child or young
person being pressurized, forced, tricked or coerced into taking part in any kind of sexual activity with an adult or another young person.” A minor cannot consent to any form of sexual activity at all. It is important to remember that sexual abuse does not always involve body contact; exposing a child to sexual situations or material is also considered sexually abusive.
Both males and females can suffer from sexual abuse, however sexual abuse in males may be underreported due to shame and the stigma that is attached. However, one in six men have experienced some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. In 9 out of 10 cases in which a child is sexually abused, the perpetrator is someone the child or family knows and should be able to trust, such as a close relative. Perpetrators often manipulate victims to stay quiet about sexual abuse through the exploitation of their position of power to coerce or intimidate the child, as well as the usage of threats if the child refuses to participate or plans to tell another adult.
Sexual abuse at any age can cause guilt, shame and blame for the victim. The victim may struggle with low self-esteem, which can be due to the negative messages received from the abuser as well as the violation of one’s personal safety that has ensued. These effects on the sense of self and wellbeing can cause severe intimacy issues in later relationships. Survivors may experience flashbacks or painful memories while engaging in sexual activity, as well as struggle to set boundaries that help them to feel safe in later relationships. Self-loathing and sexual problems can be a result of abuse as victims grow older as well. They may find themselves on either excessively promiscuous or unable to have intimate relationships.
In the case of sexual abuse involving children, children may not speak up because of:
– The shame it causes them
– They may worry others won’t believe them
– They may worry others will be angry with them
– They may worry that it will split their family apart
A few warning signs that a child has been sexually abused are:
– They have trouble walking or sitting
– They display knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to his or her age, or even seductive behavior
– They make strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason
– They do not want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities
If you have become a victim of sexual abuse, the following strategies can helpyou cope with the trauma and move towards living healthy, positive life:
Take part in therapy – Psychotherapy can provide victims with an open, non-judgmental safe space in which you can learn new coping skills, ways to deal with your feelings, and the exploration of thoughts that one may not feel comfortable sharing with a friend or family member.
Open Up – Writing about trauma can reduce the stress and anxiety by facing these painful memories. Writing about difficult experience can raise immunity and improve life functioning when dealing with recovery.
Take care of your self – Try to remember and return to a time when you were physically and emotionally healthy and recreate the environment and actions that you took part in, for example, how were you sleeping? What types of food were you eating? What fun or leisure activities did you enjoy? Who did you spend time with? Try to return to the simple daily activities that gave you routine, reassurance, and overall joy.
If you know someone who has become a victim of sexual abuse, remember that the healing process is fluid. Victims will have good days and they will have bad days, so don’t interpret the bad days as a “setback”. This is part of the process, and it is essential to remain nonjudgmental and simply be there as a constant support source.
What to do in Dubai
Become familiar with professional resources that you can recommend to a survivor. Any and all incidents of child abuse can be reported at the following support service centers. Reports can be made using the telephone helplines, email addresses provided, or through contact forms on the websites. All reports are kept completely anonymous.
Dubai Police
The Dubai Police has a trained special team of policewomen to speak with victims in dedicated rooms at police stations in order to make children feel more comfortable when speaking about the sensitive subject of abuse.
Email: mail@dubaipolice.gov.ae
24/7Call Center: 901
Contact details for police stations at various locations can be found here:
https://www.dubaipolice.gov.ae/dp/jsps/content/flat_content.do?contentCode=105853
Community Development Centre (CDA) Child Protection Centre
Website: https://www.cda.gov.ae/en/socialcare/childrenandyouth/Pages/ChildProtectionCentre.aspx
Helpline: 800-988
Email: child@cda.gov.ae
The UAE Ministry of Interior
Website: http://www.moi-cpc.ae/en/default.aspx
Helpline: 116-111
Dubai Foundation for Women and Children (DFWAC)
DFWAC provides immediate support services, shelter, and medical healthcare. The DFWAC operates a free, anonymous hotline that can be utilized by anyone.
Helpline: 800-111
Website: www.dfwac.ae
Email: info@dfwac.ae
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DFWAC/
Sources
http://www.apa.org/topics/sexual-abuse/
https://1in6.org/the-1- in-6- statistic/
https://rainn.org/get-information/types- of-sexual- assault/child-sexual- abuse
