"Since
it had been happening for most of my life, I thought it was right and
supposed to happen. So I stopped fighting and told no one my secret".
Beth Anthany, 17, Ophelia Speaks
Define - A general definition of child sexual abuse is forced, tricked,
or manipulated contact with a child by an older person (generally five
or more years older) that has a purpose of the sexual gratification
of the older person. These definitions are not to be applied in a rigid
way. (Encyclopedia of social work 19th edition 1990).
When working
with girls, professionals need to be ready to discuss sexual abuse.
Numerous studies have been done with at risk girls, girls in the Juvenile
Justice system, and with prostitutes regarding sexual abuse and the
results of this research shows the majority of the girls in these groups
have been victims of sexual abuse at some point in their lives. Mimi
Serbert and Ayala Pines conducted a study with prostitutes and found
that 60% had been abused before the age of 16. (Most of the abuse started
at a much younger age). The study also found that two thirds of the
abusers were fathers or father figures. Abuse was the number one reason
for running away.
Professionals
also need to be aware of the reporting policies for abuse within their
agency. They are responsible for reporting abuse or reasonable suspicion
of abuse to the appropriate agencies.
Activities included in this section:
