Sexual Assault and Children

Studies indicate that youth are the most at-risk group for sexual violence in our community. With one in four girls and one in six boys experiencing a sexual assault before the age of 18, this crime has reached epidemic proportions (Darkness to Light).

According to the National Center for Victims of Crime (ncvc.org), child sexual abuse is any sexual contact with a child or teen, including but not limited to any sexual contact with children; forcing a child to have sexual contact with another (adult or child); showing a child pornographic material; exposing oneself to a child. Sexual abuse of children can happen to boys and/or girls of any age, race or background. Despite the popular belief that strangers more commonly hurt children, the truth is that children are most often abused by someone in a position of authority and trust to the family, a family member, friend, teacher, coach, minister, etc. It is most common that the abuser is someone that the family knows.

Signs of sexual abuse in children are not always physical in nature. However, physical signs can include redness or irritation in the genital area, urinary tract infections or STD/STIs, or stomach pain. More common are emotional and behavioral signs of abuse such as anger, hostility, irrational and extreme fear, depression and withdraw. Signs of abuse in teens can include those listed above as well as suicidal ideation, teen pregnancy, depression, running away, and promiscuity.
If you find physical signs of sexual abuse in a child or teen or if you have suspicions of abuse, have the child examined immediately. To get immediate information or to determine where to take a child you suspect is being abused, contact STSM’s 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 803-771-RAPE (7273) or 1-800-491-RAPE.