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Physical, Behavioral, and Emotional Developmental Effects of Child Sexual Abuse

In: Philosophy and Psychology

Submitted By cdillon73
Words 2392
Pages 10
University of Maryland University College

Physical, Behavioral, and Emotional Developmental Effects of Child Sexual Abuse Cathy F. Breingan

PSYC355, Child Psychology
Joann Altiero, Ph.D.
April, 2009

It is difficult to believe that it is a sick world out there full of very sick and vile people. Not only is it bad enough that adults cannot even feel safe anymore out there in the world but the children are just as vulnerable—they are more vulnerable and at risk in more ways than one. One of those vulnerability and risk is child abuse. There are different types of child abuse. They are child neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and the focus of this paper, child sexual abuse. The Darkness to Light Organization “defines child sexual abuse in four distinct ways: (1) Any sexual act between an adult and a minor or between two minors when one exerts power over the other; (2) Forcing, coercing or persuading a child to engage in any type of sexual act. This, of course, includes sexual contact. It also includes non-contact acts such as exhibitionism, exposure to pornography, voyeurism and communication in a sexual manner by phone or internet; (3) an ongoing and traumatic experience for its victims; and (4) a crime punishable by law” (cited in Dove & Miller, 2007).

With sexual abuse come negative effects and developmental issues that can carry through adulthood. These effects will haunt the victims for the rest of their lives and will play a very critical part in their overall development. Some of these effects can create physical, behavioral, and emotional stress on a child. These will be discussed separately along with some shocking statistics, signs and symptoms children may exhibit that parents can watch out for and finally, prevention and treatment plans will also be discussed.

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