About Child Sexual Abuse . . .
 THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A "TYPICAL" CHILD MOLESTER.
Most molesters appear normal, hold responsible positions within the
community, and are generally regarded as "model" citizens.
Nearly 85% of molesters are someone the child knows, loves,
or trusts.
Current studies indicate that:
Reasons children don't tell . . .
Children are often "groomed" over a period of time and
are confused about what is happening to them.
Children are often told they are "special," that the abuse
is a "secret," or that they are going to "play a game"; they do not
recognize the activity as abuse.
Children are often THREATENED with the withdrawal of love
and support by one or both parents and/or physical harm.
Children are often MADE TO FEEL RESPONSIBLE for the abuse
and are threatened with future negative consequences to other family
members or friends if they do not comply.
Incestuous families often ISOLATE children from peers,
social activities, and other supportive adults out of fear of discovery.
Children are often FEARFUL they will not be believed or
that they will be blamed for the abuse.
When a child tells about abusive behavior and is not believed,
the child often becomes DISCOURAGED and unwilling to reveal additional
abuse.
To help prevent child sexual abuse . . .
ALWAYS advise children to tell a parent, teacher, or other
trusted adult if someone is touching or makes them feel uncomfortable.
TEACH children phrases they can say to persons who touch
or try to touch them such as, "Don't touch me!", "I don't like that.",
"No I won't touch you." or "He/she is not my father/mother."
If a child is uncomfortable with excessive kissing or
hugging, DO NOT FORCE OR ENCOURAGE the behavior; overindulgence in this
behavior diminishes the "wrongness" of the touch and the child becomes
unable to determine when it is inappropriate.
Parents MUST know as much as possible about the people
who associate with their child; talk with your child daily about her/
his activities, needs, and concerns.
Be aware and cautious of adults and older children who
have a PREFERENCE for socializing with young children.
Parents MUST be selective when employing child care providers;
interview candidates, request and verify references.
Parents MUST insure they have the right to "drop in" and
visit their child's day care program at any time.
Have children PERIODICALLY ATTEND a sexual abuse awareness
and prevention class; contact the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual
Assault for details.
What to look for . .
Listed below are some of the more Commonly Observed signs
of sexual abuse that may occur within a particular age range. While this
list does not conclusively indicate that sexual abuse is occurring or
has occurred, carefully consider the child's behavior and personality
and explore the circumstances surrounding any change in either.
Infants and Toddlers:
Elementary Age:
Adolescents and Teens:
If you know of, or suspect the sexual abuse of a child
BELIEVE the child; reports of sexual abuse are rarely
"made up" by the child.
Respond to the child as CALMLY as possible.
ASSURE the child she/he is not responsible for the abuse,
that you are not angry with the child, and that the child will not be
punished.
DO NOT PRESSURE the child for details immediately; contact
the appropriate authority and Report the abuse (this is your legal obligation
- ARS 13-3620). Persons reporting suspected child sexual abuse in good
faith are protected from civil actions.
REMOVE the child from contact with the suspected abuser.
Have the child examined for medical treatment as necessary.
Obtain counseling for the child, as well as yourself and
other family members; the EMOTIONAL TRAUMA resulting from sexual abuse
is often too intense for the child to cope with alone and can interfere
with normal developmental processes.
Additional Resources . .
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Emergency/to report
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911
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Tucson Police Department
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791-4018
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Pima County Sheriff
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741-4860
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Child Protective Services
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628-5946
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Las Familias
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327-7122
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Nat'l Child Abuse Hotline
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1-800-422-4453
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