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A child or young person is sexually abused when an older
person uses their power and authority to involve the child in sexual
activity. Other terms for child sexual abuse include child sexual assault,
child molestation, child exploitation, child rape and child sexual
maltreatment. “Sexual activity between a child and older person is
inappropriate because children are NEVER in a position to give informed
consent to such activities. Children lack the necessary information and
maturity to make an informed decision about sexual activities with an older
person.” (Dept. of Human Services 1997 p.2)
Child sexual abuse is a criminal offence. Features of
child sexual abuse include:
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The misuse of an older person’s power
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The betrayal of a child’s trust and affection
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The denial of a child’s need to feel safe and
valued
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The violation of a child’s personal boundaries and
sense of self
Child sexual abuse happens to both boys and girls,
similarly both male and females can be abusers. In the majority of child
sexual abuse cases, the abuser is known to the child. Girls are more likely
to be abused by a family member or relative. This form of sexual abuse is
termed incest. Whereas boys are more likely to be abused by someone known
outside the family, an authority figure or stranger.
It is natural that children are curious about gender
differences in genitalia. However sexual abuse involves abuse of power by an
older person. The child is coerced into sexual activities through the use of
threats, secrets, bribes, tricks or force.
“When a child abuses others, enquires should be made as
to how the abuser learned what to do. It is possible that the behaviour was
learned from personal experiences (as a victim) or from pornography. When a
female child is involved in sexual behaviour with older boys, it is
sometimes found that they initiated the sexual behaviour, having learned it
from being sexually abused herself.” (Briggs, 1988 p.7)
Child sexual abuse involves any form of sexual activity
ranging from looking or touching to penetration. The following sexual
activities are considered child sexual abuse and are against the law.
1. VOYEURISM
An older person observing naked children. Unnecessarily
watching a child dressing, bathing or toileting.
2. SEXUAL HARASSMENT
When a child hears rude comments about their private body
parts making them feel uncomfortable.
3. EXHIBITIONISM
An older person unnecessarily exposing their private
parts to a child.
4. SEXUAL EXPOSURE
When a child witnesses through seeing or hearing people
engaging in sexual activity.
5. KISSING
Kissing a child with sexual undertones / inclinations.
6. FROTTAGE
When an older person rubs their genitals against a child’s
body or clothing.
7. FONDLING
Fondling a child’s breasts and/or genitals. If the
abuser lures or forces a child to fondle their genitals.
8. TOUCHING
Sexual touching (stroking, poking, probing) private
parts. Forcing/tricking a child into touching the abusers private parts.
9. MASTURBATION
Encouraging or forcing a child to masturbate, with the
child as either a participant or observer.
10. ORAL SEX
Encouraging or forcing a child to engage in oral sex
(fellatio or cunnilingus). The abuser uses their or the child’s mouth in
the sexual act.
11. INTERCOURSE
Inducing, trapping or forcing a child into anal or
vaginal penetration by penis, finger or any other object.
12. PORNOGRAPHY
Encouraging or forcing a child to read/watch pornography.
Exposing a child to pornographic pictures, movies, web sites or using the
child in pornographic material and photos/videos.
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