SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST CHILDREN
Sexual abuse of children and rape are two of the most disturbing sexual activities in our culture. They are both forms of sexual assault. They are sometimes committed by people with paraphilias, but they are often committed by people who can be sexually aroused by other activities.
Sexual assault is the use of force or coercion, physical or psychological, to make a person engage in sexual activity. Sexual assault is a physical violation of a person’s body. It is also a psychological violation of the mind. It is not committed only for sexual pleasure. It is a way to exert power over someone smaller or weaker. Sexual assault is often violent. Many women, men, and children die as a result.
Sexual assault against children and adults can have long lasting and damaging effects on their psychological health and lovemaps. Because the lovemaps of children are especially vulnerable, the effects of sexual assault may be especially powerful.
Attitudes toward sexual relationships between adults and children vary from culture to culture. It is not universally believed that these relationships are unhealthy. However, any sexual activity between an adult and a child in the United States is considered assault because children are viewed as being incapable of giving consent. Although a child may appear to be seductive and want to have sexual contact, it is the adult’s responsibility to protect the child against it, regardless of the circumstances or relationship. Child sexual abuse is a vicious circle. Many victims become sexual abusers as adults.
Child sexual molestation or child sexual abuse, statutory rape, pedophilia, and incest are terms that refer to an adult having sexual contact of any kind with a child or an adolescent below the age of consent. This includes touching or fondling, oral-genital stimulation, anal stimulation, and sexual intercourse.
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