Children are not ready to have sex. They are not physically, mentally or emotionally ready for sex. As a result, those who are forced to have sex, especially before puberty, suffer the consequences (which can last well into adulthood).

Sexual abuse of a child often involves threats (42%) and physical violence (29%). It is worth noting that the gender difference is around 80% girls and 20% boys, but research on this complex issue is notoriously hard to be definite.

In most cases the perpetrator is known to the child. Around half of the reported first cases are under age 13 years. The majority are male perps but there is increasing evidence of female perps including teachers and coaches.

The physical consequences of child sexual abuse include urinary tract, neurological, gastrointestinal, and respiratory tract symptoms into adulthood. Psychological consequences include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, poor self-confidence, use of drugs and attempted suicide. Friendships and romantic relationships of young people who were sexually abused as a child are often disrupted by risky sexual behaviour as well as being vulnerable to further sexual and other forms of abuse.

Everyone who is in regular contact with children needs to create an environment where children can feel comfortable to talk to a safe adult. Adults who were sexually abused as a child can report what has happened so that it can be investigated. Historical cases of child sexual abuse are increasingly being sought for prosecution so that where there were multiple sexual abuse cases they can be dealt with seriously.

If you are in the UK you can report recent or historical sexual abuse confidentially to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or on the website crimestoppers-UK.org.

If you are in the US you can contact the Child Abuse hotline Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD or visit childhelp.org/hotline.

Glenn Miles.

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Email: drglennmiles@gmail.com

Resources: 1in6.org / gmmiles.co.uk