What Is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse can happen to any child regardless of age, gender or socio-economic background. Sexual abuse can be any sexual act performed with a child, to a child or in the presence of a child for the sexual stimulation of a person over 18 years of age. Sexual abuse is not limited to physical contact. It also includes solicitation, pornography and on-line enticement. Most sexual abuse is committed by people the child knows as well as strangers. People who sexually abuse children can be friends, relatives, caregivers, trusted adults and strangers. Child sexual abuse may be defined differently by different groups of people such as counselors, police, and child protection agencies. It is an act that is typically done in secrecy and since there may not be any outward, physical signs of abuse, it can be difficult to detect. Sexual abuse affects the whole family. It is important to learn how to prevent sexual abuse from occurring. It’s up to the adults in our Native communities to learn how to protect our most sacred resource, our children.

Know the legal requirements for reporting.

All 50 states require that professionals who work with children report reasonable suspicions of child abuse.  Some states require that anyone with suspicions report it.  Information about each state’s requirements is available at www.childwelfare.gov or call the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453. Most tribal children’s code also require professionals who work with children to report suspected abuse. If you are a professional who works with children (e.g., a teacher, a nurse), there are special procedures and reporting requirements you must follow. Your employer should provide mandated reporting training.

Know the agencies that handle reports of child abuse.

Two agencies handle most reports of child abuse: Child Protective Services (in some states this agency has a different name) and the Police.

Some states designate Child Protective Services as the agency that accepts reports of suspected child abuse.  Others designate the police. Some do not designate or designate both.  Many states have centralized toll-free lines that accepts reports of abuse from the entire state.

• To find out where to make a report in your state, visit:
  http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?rs_id=5&rate_chno=11-11172 or call the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453.
• Reporting child abuse on reservations can be complex.
  Call the tribal law enforcement authorities and child protection services (CPS), Indian Child Welfare (ICW). If these resources are not available contact your state’s child protective services.
• If the legal system does not provide adequate protection for a child, call Justice for Children (713-225-4357) or www.jfcadvocacy.org.

What Can I Do If a Child Has Been Sexually Abused? How Should I Respond? What Should I Say?

One of the most important things a family member can do is respond in a calm and matter-of-fact manner. Believe the child-- children rarely lie about sexual abuse. If you don’t have enough information about what is going on, it is a good idea to ask questions and let the child know you are someone they can safely talk to about this issue. Do not ask leading questions. Take the time to reassure the child that he or she has done nothing wrong. Do not show your anger. Let the child know that you will do whatever you can to keep him or her safe. Do not makes promises you cannot keep! Many people are tempted to handle the disclosure on their own. Use your community’s resources—child protection services, Indian Child Welfare, law enforcement. Furthermore, the sexual abuse of children is against the law. It is therefore important to seek professional help and to not do this alone. By taking action you may reduce the risk of others in your community or family from being sexually abused and reduce the stress and trauma for the victim.