Child by an adult; using it for sexual stimulation and satisfaction,
being forced into prostitution, using it as a sexual object in crimes such as pornography
is sexual abuse. It covers a wide range of behaviors, from touching the genital area, to exhibitionism, to pornography, to rape
. Sexual
abuse does not necessarily have to involve violence, it is not taken into account whether the child consents or not
(Polat, 2000; Nurcombe, 2000).
Abuse and sexual abuse by others; Being exposed to the sexual orientation of others and being used sexually without their own acceptance is a traumatic situation for the child. Even if we don’t think of acceptance as knowingly willing, it is necessary to know that there are legal consequences even if it is assumed.
Necessary conditions for sexual behavior to be a crime are that it is non-consensual and that it is applied to children. All kinds of sexual harassment applied to a child under the age of 15 has been accepted as a crime with the new regulation by our law. If people who are closely related to children, such as teachers, caregivers, relatives, commit this crime, it is counted as an aggravating factor.
70% of sexual abuse is seen in children between the ages of 2-10.
Genital examination is performed for the diagnosis of child abuse. The abuse experienced through interviews with the child should be reflected on the child’s mental state and this should be evaluated by experts. In addition, signs of edema and strain are evaluated.
Physical examination is important in the diagnosis of sexual abuse. Sperm samples are taken during the physical examination. It is checked for physical strain, redness, edema.
In order to make a diagnosis, the doctor should pay attention to some issues. The examination should be done once, not to be repeated, and the child should not experience it again and again. Appropriate conditions must be provided during the inspection. If necessary, the examination should be performed under anesthesia.
Techniques to be used in the examination may be games, dramas, drawing pictures, and oral expression. It is necessary to ensure that the child expresses himself well by using words suitable for the age and development of the child. It is necessary to establish a good and trusting dialogue with the child. A friendly environment should be created for the child to express himself/herself and appropriate time should be given.
During the examination, the child can make imaginary expressions besides the real ones. The expert evaluates real and imaginary expressions by paying attention to body language and the words he uses. If the child uses his/her own way of speaking and expression, and whether he/she is under pressure or not, this situation should be taken into consideration.
Often, children do not want to tell what they are experiencing. This is because the abuser is most likely from the immediate family circle. The child is worried that he will not be believed. He thinks that the family will blame him, he may be afraid of his family. The child may see it as a shame and a situation that should be hidden. Children who do not want to talk can be created to express themselves through drawing, play and drama.
A child who has been sexually abused may become withdrawn, feel guilty, have nightmares in his sleep, have crying fits or cry, be restless in his sleep, delirious, jump.
The adaptation of children who are exposed to sexual abuse to daily life varies. The attitudes of the family are important here, it is necessary not to be blaming and to make the child feel that they are with him. It is important to get expert support. Because this support is needed in order to provide the family with the right behavioral patterns and to regulate the communication between the family and the child in a healthy way. The child’s age, gender, level of development, sexual abuse by whom or by whom, environmental conditions affect adaptation to daily life.
The family should take care of the child’s adaptation to daily life, regulate the environmental conditions and get support from experts if necessary.
ÖZNUR SIMAV- PEDAGOG
Founder- family counselor-student coach
