12 Child Sexual Abuse Myths and Facts

All age groups

Created by Neetu Ralhan
Updated on Jan 15, 2015

By definition, a myth means ‘a widely held but false belief or idea’. In its real sense, a myth is a false public notion which we tend to not only believe without question, but also endorse through our actions. Myths associated with child sexual abuse act as a refuge for us adults, giving us a comfort zone where we can avoid facing this unpleasant reality head on.

However, for the sake of the vey children we are trying to protect, it is imperative that we as parents and caregivers confront our own fears of this social vice so that we are well-equipped to offer real protection to our children. In this blog on child sexual abuse, we are sharing with you the most prevalent myths surrounding sexual exploitation of children, and facts that bunk these myths.

11 Myths About Child Sexual Abuse

Myth #1: Sexual abuse means touching a child inappropriately

Fact: Child sexual abuse is a wide term and may not always result in physical contact with a child. Many incidents of abuse may go unnoticed because of the narrow understanding of child sexual abuse. Child Sexual Abuse also includes non-contact abuse i.e stalking the child, using sexually suggestive language, showing the child pornographic material, watching the child undress, bathe, urinate or defecate or forcing the child to do all this in the presence of the adult, masturbating in front of the child, exhibiting one's genitals in front of the child or asking the child to do the same. Read - Know What is Child Sexual Abuse - Unsafe Touch & Unsafe Actions. For more information. To really protect our children, we need to understand the various ways which a perpetrator can adopt to take advantage of a child.

Myth #2: Only strangers abuse children sexually

Fact: Worldwide statistics show that up to 85% of sexual abuse cases involve a relative, parent, family member, friend or someone known to the child such as babysitter, tutor, driver, step-parent, family friend etc. Sexual offenders are often trusted individuals who have easy access to the child.

Myth #3: Male children are not abused

Fact: Due to this misconception, several cases of sexual abuse in boys go unreported. A boy child is equally at risk of sexual abuse as a girl child, and needs as much protection and guidance.

Myth #4: Only men abuse children sexually

Fact: This myth is founded on our society’s ingrained belief that women are protectors and caregivers of children. Cases of sexual abuse of children by women are being reported worldwide. The recent case of a Gurgaon based school where a child was subjected to sexual abuse by two female helpers is only one such example.

Myth #5: Every individual who sexually abuses a child is mentally unsound or perverted
Fact: Statistics show that the prevalence of child sexual abuse is between 30 to 85% in any society while mental illness affects not more than 15% of the population.
More often than not, men (and women) who sexually abuse children are respected members of society, presenting themselves as responsible, trustworthy, morally sound and compassionate individuals.

Myth #6: If something of such nature occurs, my child is prepared to tell
Fact: Today most parents proactively prepare their children to speak up if subjected to inappropriate behavior. Unfortunately, when faced with the trauma of sexual abuse, a child may be too frightened or shocked or overwhelmed to speak up immediately. The age of the child, fear instilled by the perpetrator, social stigma, and feelings of guilt and shame may prevent a child from sharing. A boy child may not speak up for fear of being perceived as weak.

Myth #7: An attractive child is more prone to sexual abuse.

Fact: Children are targeted because they are vulnerable and unable to protect themselves. A child’s physical appearance has nothing to do with the intentions of a perpetrator.

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Myth #8: I am extra cautious so I would be able to pick signs of abuse in my child
Fact: Many times, there may be no external cues showing that a child has been sexually abused. However, there may be emotional or behavioral changes parents and guardians need to watch out for. These have been discussed in the previous blog, Signs of Child Sexual Abuse.How a child reacts to abuse depends on a lot of factors, including the child’s age or the family’s relationship with the abuser. Some children may not exhibit any signs at all.

Regular conversations with the child about her day at school, at home and her interactions with other people can provide valuable insights to parents.

Myth #9: Child sexual abuse can never occur at home.

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Fact: As shared above, 85% of sexual predators are those who are known to the child and, as a result, have access to the child’s personal space, including her home. At times, elderly guardians have been reported to sexually abuse young children in their care.

Myth #10: Only adults indulge in sexual abuse of children.
Fact: A significant percentage of sexual offenders are individuals under the age of 18. A misguided adolescent sibling, cousin or neighbor may sexually abuse a younger child.

Myth #11: Sexual abuse is more prevalent in poor families
Fact: Although common perception is that sexual abuse is more rampant in disadvantaged communities, this is far from true. While children from poverty-stricken families are more exposed to such risks; sexual abuse is not exclusive to a particular social or economic class. Unfortunately, sexual offenders exist in all layers of society, irrespective of financial status or background. READ: 10 Ways To Teach Child To Protect Them From Molestation

Can We Not Trust Anyone?

Child sexual abuse is not a new reality. It has always existed, albeit pushed under the carpet or hushed up to avoid social disgrace. Today, there are more reported cases of child sexual abuse than ever. As a result, it is natural for a parent to be concerned about the safety of their child. At the same time, it would be wrong to confine our children to the boundaries of our paranoia. Perhaps the solution lies in acknowledging the fact that sexual abuse exists and that it is important for us to talk about it with our children.
Perhaps, the first step that this generation of parents can take is to join hands to bust these myths and gather the courage to speak up if we notice something inappropriate, however small it may be.

Please share your thoughts in comments.