Prevalence of Sexual Abuse in Those with Learning Difficulties

Posted by Tautokomai on March 3rd, 2020

This can be difficult to determine; it is believed sexual abuse of people (a) lack of awareness that abuse has taken place; (b) a lack of understanding by victims that they have been victimized; (c) the fear of retaliation, fear of loss of services, fear of further abuse by victims if they do report.

Research also found that "women and men are at risk... perpetrators are predominantly men and usually known rather than strangers" plus "a significant increase in the proportion of cases of abuse of men with learning disabilities reported" was noted. However, despite increased awareness/information on adult abuse, service agencies have not developed coordinated systems for reporting or recording sexual abuse. ptsd sexual abuse

Research indicated those with intellectual disabilities will be "particularly vulnerable to abuse... [and] people with severe or profound ID are not able to describe what has happened to them" thus placing them at ongoing risk of abuse and also highlights abuse is "rarely prosecuted in the courts... reasons... frequent failures of police, carers, health and social services... in taking victims seriously... [And] difficulties of obtaining evidence, especially from the severely disabled victims".

A number of victims will have communication difficulties whilst others fear disbelief; further, feelings of guilt and shame or a lack of approachable and trustworthy people to whom they can discuss abuse especially where abusers are within positions of trust/authority will be likely to impact upon disclosure. Mencap write that abusers tend to be male and work hard to gain positions of trust, seeking employment in areas where vulnerable people are likely to rely solely or mainly on carers; this provides ample and often unimpeded access to their victims. According to a report by the NSPCC, children with disabilities will be likely to be abused by a family member (when compared with non-disabled children); in addition, the report highlights other research which indicates that a significant number of children with harmful sexual behaviour have learning disabilities although cautions over interpretation of findings is advised. have I been assaulted

In essence, the risk of harm can be great causing cause sexual, emotional and physical trauma (either in isolation or together) originating from those supposed to protect, care and help individuals develop but who are in fact causing harm. Abuse is likely to take place within victims' home which should be a place of safety and if perpetrated by those in whom they have placed their care/trust, the risk of not being able to disclose may be greater.

Beware of anyone who wants to be with your children more than you do. It surrounds us; everywhere. It acknowledges no boundaries, geographic or cultural. It's insidious and, at its extreme, life threatening. Fighting it is ridiculously simple, yet inexplicably avoided. Child sexual abuse is a criminal behavior that has always been with us and unfortunately always will.

Children have an innate knowledge of their sexuality on their own scale of development. A young child doesn't need to know the entire life cycle of the birds and the bees; they need to know what is appropriate for their age and emotional level. They need to know what comprises healthy and natural contact with others, particularly adults and more importantly, what does not. sexual abuse helpline

By the age of ten most young children have a fairly good idea of what's going on. As parents we owe it to them to set them straight before they start trading in the rumors of middle school when they start to hide within their social shell and communication on the subject becomes difficult. By talking frankly to your children you are arming them with the shield of knowledge, self confidence and the ability to protect themselves. Child sexual abuse as a subject needs to be dragged into the sunlight and dealt with as the reality that it is. We have to face the issue head on in order to learn how to eliminate it as a threat to our families and friends. We must face it publicly so the perpetrators of this iniquitous behavior know that they are "on notice", that they cannot prey on our young.

How prevalent is sexual abuse with children? It's disturbingly widespread. In some Asian countries child sex abuse is an industry, relied upon for national income. As incredible as that sounds it's true and it accounts for what is referred to as "sex tourism". The 'why' part of this behavior, is the subject for another article, if indeed there is, or can be, a 'why".

Talk to your family and friends frequently about the subject. Take personal responsibility for your child; don't delegate it to anyone else. Keep the lines of communication open with your children no matter how hard it can be. That's their lifeline. Encourage your children's school to have someone come and talk to parents about this subject. Finally if you suspect sexual abuse of your children or other children report it immediately.

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