9781422276099

Preventing Sexual Assault and Harassment

Sometimes the term sexual abuse is used as a synonym for sexual assault, or as a catch-all term for any type of harmful behavior related to sex. But the last thing we need is another generic term, so in this book we’ll use sexual abuse in its most narrow meaning: when someone in a position of power takes sexual advantage of a person with less power. A doctor who takes sexual advantage of a patient is one example — the doctor is in a more powerful position than the patient. The most troubling type of sexual abuse by far involves children. Any form of sexual activity with a child is abusive. This includes not only intercourse and sexual touching, but also taking explicit photos of the child or showing the child explicit photos. So-called dirty talk with a child is also sexual abuse. There is no grey area when it comes to this particular crime. It doesn’t matter if the child “seems mature.” It doesn’t matter if the sexual behavior is real or simulated . It doesn’t matter if the activity occurs in person or on the Internet. It also doesn’t matter if the activity was forced or if the child was somehow “talked into” participating. Children are not capable of Relationship of Child Abuse Victim to Perpetrator The vast majority of child sexual abuse is perpetrated by someone the child knows, including family members, neighbors, parents’ friends, teachers, babysitters, and so on. Strangers 7%

Family Members 34%

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, strangers make up only 7 percent of all child sexual abuse cases.

Acquaintances 59%

Source: Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics.

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