Child Sexual Abuse Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and important information related to child sexual abuse as discussed in the lecture notes.

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)

Contact or interactions between a child and an adult used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person.

Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse

Sexual relations occurring within the family, often referred to as incest.

Extrafamilial Sexual Abuse

Exploitative sexual contact with perpetrators who may or may not be known to the child.

Voyeurism

The act of observing an unsuspecting person who is naked or engaged in sexual activity.

Grooming

A process where the abuser builds trust and emotional connection with a child to facilitate abuse.

Fixated Offender

A perpetrator who is primarily attracted to children and unable to form healthy relationships with adults.

Regressed Offender

A perpetrator who primarily chooses young victims but can appear to have healthy adult relationships.

Pedophilia

A psychiatric disorder characterized by a sexual fixation on prepubescent children.

Sexual Arousal

A state where the child becomes a source of sexual gratification for the perpetrator.

Emotional Congruence

Satisfying an emotional need by relating to a child in a sexual manner.

Indicators of Sexual Abuse

Warning signs include behavioral changes, regression, and physical symptoms.

Physical Indicators of Sexual Abuse

Signs suggesting sexual abuse like difficulty walking, genital pain, and unexplained infections.

Family Dynamics in CSA

The family environment that may influence the prevalence of child sexual abuse.

Child Pornography

The illegal use of children in sexual graphic materials, often linked to child sexual abuse.

Victim Characteristics

Victims can range in age and gender, with specific patterns observed in sexual abuse cases.

Perpetrator Characteristics

Most perpetrators are male, with varying ages, and specific risk markers identified.

Legal Definition of CSA

Includes both physical contact and non-contact sexual activities where consent is not present.

Underreporting of CSA

Many cases of child sexual abuse go unreported, especially among male victims.

Four Preconditions Model of Sexual Abuse

A framework that describes the motivations and conditions that lead to sexual abuse of children.

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)

Contact or interactions between a child and an adult used for the sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person.

Intrafamilial Sexual Abuse

Sexual relations occurring within the family, often referred to as incest.

Extrafamilial Sexual Abuse

Exploitative sexual contact with perpetrators who may or may not be known to the child.

Voyeurism

The act of observing an unsuspecting person who is naked or engaged in sexual activity.

Grooming

A process where the abuser builds trust and emotional connection with a child to facilitate abuse.

Fixated Offender

A perpetrator who is primarily attracted to children and unable to form healthy relationships with adults.

Regressed Offender

A perpetrator who primarily chooses young victims but can appear to have healthy adult relationships.

Pedophilia

A psychiatric disorder characterized by a sexual fixation on prepubescent children.

Sexual Arousal

A state where the child becomes a source of sexual gratification for the perpetrator.

Emotional Congruence

Satisfying an emotional need by relating to a child in a sexual manner.

Indicators of Sexual Abuse

Warning signs include behavioral changes, regression, and physical symptoms.

Physical Indicators of Sexual Abuse

Signs suggesting sexual abuse like difficulty walking, genital pain, and unexplained infections.

Family Dynamics in CSA

The family environment that may influence the prevalence of child sexual abuse.

Child Pornography

The illegal use of children in sexual graphic materials, often linked to child sexual abuse.

Victim Characteristics

Victims can range in age and gender, with specific patterns observed in sexual abuse cases.

Perpetrator Characteristics

Most perpetrators are male, with varying ages, and specific risk markers identified.

Legal Definition of CSA

Includes both physical contact and non-contact sexual activities where consent is not present.

Underreporting of CSA

Many cases of child sexual abuse go unreported, especially among male victims.

Four Preconditions Model of Sexual Abuse

A framework that describes the motivations and conditions that lead to sexual abuse of children.

What are some common long-term psychological impacts of CSA on victims?

Long-term psychological impacts can include PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-harm, and difficulty forming healthy relationships.

Why can a child not legally consent to sexual activity?

Children are legally deemed incapable of giving informed consent to sexual activity due to their immaturity, developmental stage, and inability to fully comprehend the nature and consequences of such acts.

Who is considered a 'mandated reporter' in cases of suspected child sexual abuse?

Mandated reporters are professionals (e.g., teachers, doctors, social workers, law enforcement, clergy) who by law are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

What are the general steps individuals should take when reporting suspected CSA?

When reporting suspected CSA, individuals should contact Child Protective Services (CPS) or law enforcement immediately. It is important to provide as much detail as possible without investigating or confronting the alleged abuser.