Childhood sexual abuse is amongst the most stigmatized issues in society. It is recognized as a public health concern and a violation of a child’s basic human rights.
Childhood sexual abuse refers to any attempted or completed sexual contact, a sexual act with, or exploitation of a child. It often involves a perpetrator making threats or using force. Several behaviors fall under sexual abuse, and physical contact does not need to occur between the child and the offender for it to qualify as abuse.
That said, if you happen to be a victim of child sexual abuse or discover that a child has been sexually abused, finding positive ways to cope with this type of trauma is imperative. This will help you create a safe space for you or the child that is free from blame, judgment, and guilt.
Let’s look at 6 ways we can all positively deal with child sexual abuse.
1. Get a Child Abuse Lawyer
Any form of sexual abuse is a violation of basic human rights. Speaking to a child abuse lawyer is the first step in helping the victim of child sexual abuse seek and get justice.
Attorneys specializing in child sexual abuse are aware of how to handle such cases professionally. While it’s impossible to undo the inconceivable acts, the victim can receive compensation for the psychiatric and psychological treatment needed in recovery. You can also protect other children from the abuser by ensuring they are put behind bars.
2. Educate Yourself On Child Sexual Abuse
Educating yourself is one of the most useful ways that you can help deal with sexual abuse for children. Learn about normal development in children and educate yourself on the signs of sexual abuse. This knowledge will enable you to easily spot and recognize behaviors associated with current or past abuse. It will also help clear the fog and uncertainty when your child or teen begins acting erratically or out of character.
Most importantly, educating yourself gives you the confidence to support a child who’s been a victim of sexual abuse through any sensitive situations or questions that may arise.
3. Speak To A Counselor
Speaking with a mental health professional as soon as an issue arises can help determine if a child’s behavior causes concern. Counselors will also guide how to respond to a child’s difficulties. They’ll offer you suggestions on how to talk to the child and offer suggestions for creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment.
When looking for a mental health professional such as social workers, counselors, or therapists, look for one that has a professional background dealing with child trauma, development, and sexual abuse.
4. Volunteer With Current Victims
Volunteering with current victims of child abuse helps the victims and the volunteer too. First, you positively handle child abuse by comforting and providing psycho-social aid by being there for the victims. You also empower yourself by learning the experiences of the victims and learning how to guide a victim through their healing journey effectively.
5. Establish Family Guidelines For Privacy and Safety
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are vulnerable to later abuse. Establishing family guidelines to ensure their privacy and safety is crucial. Some young people who have been sexually abused develop heightened sensitivities to situations involving physical contact, explicit or implicit sexual contact or evoking sexual innuendo. As such, practice guidelines that make the home a comfortable place for the child.
6. Join a Community of Other Victims
Attending to the needs of youth or child that has been sexually abused will often involve the entire family and may affect relationships. You may all need psychological support to help you offer the best environment for the child.
Much as you may feel like you talked the child through it, it’s advisable to still seek help from professionals and join support groups for survivors. Recovery is a journey, and you and the child should get as much help as possible.
Closing Thoughts On Childhood Sexual Abuse
Recovering from childhood trauma is possible with the right support and tools. Child sexual abuse is a very isolating and confusing experience. We understand that survivors are not responsible for what their abusers did. The victims themselves may not, that’s why it’s so important to keep these points in mind to positively heal from this experience.
While there is no particular ‘right’ reaction to dealing with childhood sexual abuse, hopefully, the tips listed above should provide you with a good starting point so you can positively deal with child sex abuse.
