Sexual Abuse

SEXUAL ABUSE IS A HIDDEN CRIME
Kempe Children's Center is an international authority that studies the causes and effects of child abuse. For over 25 years the center has been committed to improving the recognition, treatment and prevention of child abuse. This is a accomplished through research, education, program development and clinical care. Kempe is concerned with the increasing rate of sexual abuse in the US. Sexual abuse often arises off of ignorance and naivete. Kempe strives to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect through education. The more aware and more informed we are as parents, caregivers and friends, the better we can protect our children. Kempe Children's Center has numerous resources available to anyone wanting more information on child abuse, including:
-PRINTED MATERIALS
-VIDEOS -REFERRALS
-TREATMENT PROGRAMS
-TRAINING CURRICULA AND PROGRAMS FOR PROFESSIONALS

NATIONAL STATISTICS
Sexual abuse is a ''hidden crime.'' There is rarely an eye witness. Medical evidence, even when available, can't be relied upon to identify the perpetrator. The chances of an admission are even more remote. Victims are often reluctant and fearful to disclose their abuse.
Over the past two decades, reported cases of sexual abuse have increased at an alarming rate. In 1976 the estimated figure was 6,000. In 1986, there were nearly 132,000 confirmed victims of sexual abuse. And in 1994, almost 150,000 children were known to have been sexually abused. Research shows that the perpetrator of sexual abuse is usually not a random stranger. Most often it is a family member, with 42% being a parent and 23% being another relative or trusted friend. 30% of the time, the perpetrator is an older juvenile.

SIGNS OF DISTRESS
The presence of one or more of the following signs or behaviors does not prove that a child has been a victim of sexual abuse. However, sexual abuse should be considered as a possible cause. - LACK OF INTEREST IN USUAL ACTIVITIES OR UNUSUALLY WITHDRAWN. - INSECURITY/FEARS/NIGHTMARES. - UNUSUAL AND UNEXPLAINED ACHES AND PAINS. - EXTREME BEHAVIORS, SLEEP DISTURBANCES, OUTBURSTS OF AGGRESSION, POOR CONCENTRATION, EXCESSIVE MASTURBATION. - BED WETTING OR SOILING - CHANGES IN TEMPERAMENT OR INTERESTS.