Sexual Abuse in Childhood and Adolescence

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Sexual Abuse in Childhood and Adolescence Reason for Choosing Topic When this assignment was given at the beginning of the quarter, I had no idea what I was going to write about. The realm of family violence and child abuse is so broad that I had to take a step back and look at the various topics and ways I could take this paper. I eventually chose sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence because I have never been able to grasp why the perpetrators think what they are doing is right, and if they realize what they are doing is wrong why they do not stop their actions. My practicum site is at Inland Valley Recovery Services and a good portion of my clients thus far have been sexually abused. This abuse affects their self-esteem and self-efficacy, which then led to their eventual addiction to and dependency on substances. Although I know a lot of textbook ideas on sexual abuse and what is expected of those who have been sexually abused, I still wanted to write about such a topic to learn more and to solidify the assumptions I have already learned and grown accustomed to holding as truth. Research Findings Definition of Child Sexual Abuse When defining child or adolescent sexual abuse, the definition can be as broad as unwelcomed sexual contact with a minor or as specific as narrowing down which acts are considered abuse. San Bernardino and Riverside Counties define child sexual abuse as follows. Sexual abuse includes penetration or external touching of a child's intimate parts, oral sex with a child, indecent exposure or any other sexual act performed in a child's presence for sexual gratification, sexual use of a child for prostitution, and the manufacturing of child pornography. Child sexual abuse is also the willful... ... middle of paper ... ...). Child sexual abuse and adulthood-interpersonal outcomes: Examining pathways for intervention. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 4(6), 605-613. McElheran, M., Briscoe-Smith, A., Khaylis, A., Westrup, D., Hayward, C., & Gore-Felton, C. (2012). A conceptual model of post-traumatic growth among children and adolescents in the aftermath of sexual abuse. Counseling Psychology Quarterly, 25(1), 73-82. Pineda-Lucatero, A. G., Trujillo-Hernandez, B., Millan-Guerrero, R. O., & Vasquez, C. (2009). Prevalence of childhood sexual abuse among Mexican adolescents. Child: Care, Health & Development, 35(2), 184-189. Szanto, L., Lyons, J., & Kisiel, C. (2012). Childhood trauma experience and the expression of problematic sexual behavior in children and adolescents in state custody. Residential Treatment for Children & Youth, 29(3), 231-249.

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