Denial and Minimization of Child Sexual Abuse Cases

[Tautoko Mai]

Child sexual abuse is similar to any other form of physical attack - it involves violence. The victims of this type of crime experience long-term effects and trauma that can actually ruin their entire lives. Being sexually abused as a child means that the victim is subjected to an act of aggression that utilizes power and manipulation. It is a classic symbol of the powerful overcoming the weak. The two main motivational factors of child sexual abuse are the desire to satisfy a sexual need and the need to exercise control over the victims as a showcase of power and authority. sexually assaulted hamilton

While most of us view the victims of child sexual abuse as the ones who suffer the most, the way society views them may not be the same. Social and cultural norms these days consider child sexual abuse a taboo, but why do some people put the blame on the victims?

Various studies have been made detailing several scenarios where accusations of child sexual abuse were concealed and the alleged victims are either blamed, suspected of lying, or simply criticized. Although sexually abusing a child breaks every single rule of morality, there is still an ongoing trend of denial, minimization and suppression from the family of the victim, authorities, and the society in general. sexual abuse helpline

The main reason why society reacts differently in child sexual abuse cases is because there are several factors that come in. For instance, the kind of response from a specific allegation may entail different consequences not only for the victim, but for the family, neighborhood, town, and the society as a whole. Supposed your child accuses the resident priest in your church of molestation, how would the entire congregation react to it? Are you sure other church members will support your child or are they going to take the side of the priest?

Apart from the example given above, another scenario is when the abuse happens within the family. There have been thousands of reported cases of intra-familial abuse. However, there is also the same number of abuses within the family that hasn't been disclosed or revealed. The reason for this is that many families prefer to conceal the abuse since telling the public about it will only embarrass and taint the image and reputation of the entire clan. It will surely result to embarrassment and negative perception towards the other members of the family. have I been assaulted

Unfortunately, in this type of scene, it is the child victim who suffers the most. The denial of the family will only result to never ending trauma and negative effects towards the victim. He will certainly live a life that's full of misery and pain - not to mention the resulting physical and psychological disorders brought about by the effects of non-disclosure and concealment of the crime.

Another reason why there is a continuing denial and rejection of child sexual abuse allegations is the fact that society and the public in general do not want to accept the crime of child sexual abuse as being prevalent. A few decades back, families in the United States don't think that their children were at a constant risk of being victimized by pedophiles and sex offenders. But if we look at the numbers today, it is clear that the cases and accusations aren't isolated anymore. But a lot of parents still don't want to take it seriously since it will only cast fear and anxiety to the entire family. ptsd sexual abuse

Finally, the issue of child sexual abuse definitely involves a lot of emotions like fear, anger, embarrassment, and others. Because of this, there are actually a lot at stake whenever someone accuses a person of the crime, especially when that person is a notable and respected member of the society. Thus, we have to accept the fact that the society's response to child sexual abuse will always be dependent on the other consequences instead of providing the victim justice and healing.