Sexual Abuse Overview
Sexual Abuse Resources
Sexual abuse occurs when one person forces another person to engage in sexual activities against his or her will. Sexual abuse is not limited to physical contact, but also includes sexual harassment, indecent exposure, forcing another person to view or participate in pornography, and contributing in any way to the commercial sexual exploitation of children.
Victims of Sexual Abuse
The victims of sexual abuse are often children. Child sexual abuse, also known as molestation, typically occurs when an adult in a position of power or authority coerces a child into engaging in sexual activities. The majority of reported child sexual abuse victims are female, though experts believe that five to ten percent of males will experience sexual abuse in their youth. Adults who are sexually harassed, raped or forced to participate in sexual activities against their will are also considered victims of sexual abuse.
Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse
Perpetrators of child sexual abuse are often relatives or acquaintances of the child, rather than strangers. The majority of those who commit child sexual abuse are male, though sexual abuse may be committed by either sex. Only a small percentage of those who abuse children are considered pedophiles. Those who sexually abuse children often fail to see that their behavior is wrong and are unlikely to stop the abuse without legal intervention. Perpetrators of adult sexual abuse are typically men between the ages of 20 and 50. Approximately one-half of adult rapes are committed by strangers while the other half are committed by friends or acquaintances of the victim. A number of incidents of adult sexual abuse involve the use of drugs and alcohol.
Effects of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse may cause a number of psychological, physical and social disorders, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anorexia, self-mutilation, social dysfunction, and sexual dysfunction. The effects of child sexual abuse may last into adulthood.
Criminal Penalties for Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is a criminal offense. The penalties for sexual abuse vary between states and may differ based on the type, length and severity of abuse. Typically, however, sexual abusers will be incarcerated. Because those who commit sexual abuse have a high rate of recidivism, abusers may be forced to participate in a rehabilitation program before being released on parole. Those found guilty of sexual abuse are often required to register as a sex offender with both state and federal sex offender registries. Registration as a sex offender makes public the offender's name, address and previous convictions for sexual abuse. Online sex offender registries allow individuals to access a photograph of the offender, as well as personal and identifying information.
Civil Penalties for Sexual Abuse
In addition to criminal prosecution, victims of sexual abuse may sue offenders in civil court. Most states have tolling provisions to extend the statute of limitations for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. A victim may sue under a number of legal theories, including sexual abuse, assault and battery, invasion of privacy, unlawful restraint, and intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress. If successful, a victim may recover money damages for any physical or emotional injuries caused by the abuse, including the costs of past and future therapy and medical expenses, failure to fulfill potential, and loss of childhood.