Didja Know...

Legal degrees of sexual assault vary from state to state, although the time frame for the statute of limitations (the legal amount of time in which a victim of crime has the right to bring criminal charges or file a civil suit against a perpetrator) can be shortest for individuals who are the most frequent abusers. Family members who sexually abuse children must have charges filed against them as soon as possible (refer to your local library resources for both procedures for reporting mandates AND the criminal codes for the state you live in).  A police report must be filed regarding the incident as soon as allegations of abuse are exposed.  It is imperative to protect the innocent by 1) stopping the abuse, and 2) investigating the complaint.  Professional investigation is a job for Child Protective Services and local law enforcement.

As a licensed professional, it is my responsibility not only to formally report abuse, but to help the victim work toward inner strength to prosecute the offender. In cases involving overt incest or sexual abuse, the need for criminal prosecution is clear. However, cases involving more covert incest and sexual abuse, the victim is often unaware of the criminal nature of the treatment he/she has been subjected to. The following defines covert incest and sexual abuse toward male or female children (18 and under) by an adult:

  • Repeated use of sexual language, gestures, and sexual name-calling
  • Directly seductive language. Direct requests (solicitation) for sexual activity
  • Exposure to sexually revealing clothing
  • Intrusive interest in child's sexual development (i.e. menstruation, genital size)
  • Inappropriate sexual interest in child's clothing (i.e. fit, style)
  • Exhibitionism: exposure of sex organs, frequent and/or deliberate nudity
  • Repeated explicit quizzing about child's sexual curiosity and interest
  • Direct and intentional scrutiny of the body (clothed, or when bathing or dressing)
  • Use of child as a peer for adult emotional expression, as a confidant/counselor regarding personal (adult) needs and problems; as an exclusive, special, intimate companion
While the child may feel discomfort, confusion or embarrassment in most of these circumstances, he/she will not understand or know how to deal with them. A child's emotional reaction to covert incest and sexual abuse situations is typically to hide it, keep it inside. The information cannot be processed. Children are not miniature adults. It is the responsibility of the adult to interrupt these behaviors for the welfare of the minor child.

Teachers and day care workers frequently call attention (to parents) regarding inappropriate behavior and relating observed in their students. Children covertly abused will "act out" internal emotional energy and conflict in some obvious way. They may become oppositional, touch and argumentative, display restlessness, irritability, speak out of turn, bully, pick fights, defy authority and/or refuse to complete talks. Or, they will withdraw, become sullen, social disinterested, passive, uninvolved, unresponsive, uncooperative, distrusting and isolative. Some children will form a strong attachment to a teacher and relate primarily to adults (rejecting peers), seeking the overly focused attention they are (inappropriately!) accustomed to.

As these children mature, their relationships and behavior actually parallels that of overtly incested and sexually abused victims:
  • Early sexual experiences
  • Promiscuity (multiple sex partners, one-night stands)
  • Sexually transmitted diseases
  • Self-medicating (alcohol and drugs)
  • Eating disorders
  • Major depression and anxiety
  • Low self-worth
  • Inner rage, confusion and shame
  • Profound neediness, dependency and poor judgment
Not surprising that sexual abuse, whether covert or overt delivers a serious, long-term impact on the victim-child. Without help early on, the growing child is left to cope alone. Having become so unable to function productively, develop potential, or believe in his or her own worth, confrontation with authority (be it church or legal system), eventually occurs. Behavior gradually becomes inappropriate, socially unacceptable or out-of-control. Professional help is essential. This is why I ask concerned people like you...Didja know...?  Please be a concerned citizen, an informed citizen, and act now on behalf of a child. Even if that child is YOU! 

Click on our links.html page for programs that provide help and information.

Sincerely,
Judy M. Rauckhorst, MSW, LCSW
Family Life Today, Inc. Clearwater, FL
727-532-8220
Managed by What Webs We Weave, LLC

Last-Modified 15:31 12/6/2002
The Dysfunktional Card Co.