Suffering in Silence: Preventing Child Sexual Abuse

Suffering In Silence: Preventing the Sexual Abuse of Children
One of the most hated acts in the world is the sexual abuse of a child. It confuses them, harms them physically and damages the psychological core of their being. Though most would admit to being against such horrible acts of savagery, they do not know how often it goes on behind closed doors - in families, camps and other places. The lack of education and resources about the issue are a problem. If educating others could prevent even just one child from being sexually abused, it would be worthwhile.
Sexual abuse is any sexual act (touching or non-touching) that is forced on another person. The sexual abuse of a child occurs when there is an adult and a minor engaging in sexual activity that is forced. It could also involve two minors if one is forcing the acts on another. The American Camp Association defines it as “any situation where a child is used for sexual gratification. This may include indecent exposure, fondling, rape, or commercial exploitation through prostitution or the production of pornographic material.” (Child Abuse Prevention Resources)
The horrible truth is that sexual abuse commonly occurs within families (this could involve parents and/or siblings) or with people the families and victim know and trust. Any sane person would look at these actions and consider them horrible, but they still exist, and must be stopped.
Obviously the use of children for sexual gratification is bad, but how bad is it? First of all, it is not just the initial incident that is the crime. The psychological issues facing children who have been sexually abused are numerous. Children who are abused sexually have the event (or multiple events) follow them into their adult l...

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...ldren that sexual advances from adults are wrong and against the law. (Preventing Sexual Child Abuse)
The national hotline for sexual assault is 1-800-656-HOPE. Other numbers to call are 1-800- CHILDREN (Prevent Child Abuse America) and 1-800-4-A-CHILD (Child Help USA). There are plenty of sources on the internet that explain the details and signs of sexual abuse further, and give important information about the reporting and handling of such crimes.
The sexual abuse of a child is a horrific criminal act, and one that is much too common in the United States. The only way to prevent it is to become knowledgeable and educated on the topic and to not stay silent, but speak for a child that may not have the voice to do so. These children cannot speak for themselves, and it is up to you to get them the help they need and possibly prevent the crimes from ever happening.