Sexual abuse encompasses a wide range of damaging behaviors that can have devastating effects on victims. What is sexual abuse defined as? Sexual abuse is defined as any abusive action or behavior that is sexual in nature. This can include unwanted touching, assault, rape, and other forms. Sexual abuse can occur over a long period, and victims may experience both physical and mental trauma as a result.
Examples of Sexual Abuse
The answer to the question “What is sexual abuse defined as?” may seem too broad, but there are several examples of common possible scenarios or patterns of behavior that classify as sexual abuse. While the following list does not include every form of sexual abuse, some examples of sexual abuse include:
- Touching or any form of unwanted, non-consensual contact
- Flashing or exposing genitals
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Abuse of the elderly
- Child sexual abuse
- Verbal advances of a sexual nature
In some cases, the perpetrators of sexual abuse are known to the victims. Sometimes specific demographics are targeted by predators, such as the elderly or minors, due to emotional or physical vulnerability. Regardless of who the victim is, it is important to remember that no sexual advance or behavior is acceptable if it is not clearly consensual between those involved.
Consent
Consent is the explicit approval of sexual activities. If a person does not clearly express consent, then the ensuing sexual activity is both wrong and illegal. While consent often occurs verbally, the failure to say “no” is not equal to consent. Children are not developmentally capable of giving consent to sexual advances.
Prevalence of Sexual Abuse
According to the U.S. National Institute of Justice, rape, sexual harassment, and sexual assault constitute sexual abuse. Sexual abuse can affect victims in ways that last a lifetime. Understanding the effects of sexual abuse are important if you or someone you know may have been affected by this devastating crime.
Effects of Sexual Abuse on Victims
The effects of sexual abuse are not universal and can vary depending on the victim and circumstances, according to the Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. Some victims are able to recover and lead productive lives, while others are forever impacted by their experience. Some effects sexual abuse has on victims include:
- Emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD)
- Flashbacks
- Sleeplessness
- Eating disorders
- Higher likelihood of developing substance abuse
- Panic attacks
- Physical trauma, including damage to the pelvic region or sexually transmitted diseases
A 2015 study from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that sexual abuse results in over $9 billion of medical expenses annually in the United States alone. Victims often require long-term care, such as therapy or counseling, to help recover.
Treatment After Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you know suffered from sexual abuse, you should seek the guidance of a medical professional. There are many available specialists with experience in a wide range of treatments. In some cases, victims may require medical treatment for physical injuries. In other instances, a treatment plan for emotional suffering can include therapy, counseling, prescription medication, or a combination of several mechanisms. A professional can assess each victim and help guide them on an appropriate path to recovery.
Prevention of Sexual Abuse
The following examples list how you may help prevent sexual abuse:
- If you see or hear about potential acts of sexual abuse, report it immediately.
- Build positive communication skills with youth to empower victims to feel comfortable coming forward.
- Watch out for sudden behavioral changes, unkempt appearance, or other signs a person could be suffering from abuse.
- Do research on any organization to see if there is a history of abuse before allowing a child to take part in communal activities.
- Promote consent and other social norms that empower and support individual rights in sexual situations.
- Create a safe, protective, and communicative environment at home, work, or in the community.
Sexual abuse can still occur even with prevention, so victims may take legal action in some cases.
How You Can Get Help
If you or someone in your life suffered sexual abuse, seek immediate help. You should report any suspicious activity or potential abuse to authorities. If the abuse involves a child, consider alerting a child protection agency. You can also seek medical assistance for the victim.
Some victims of abuse decide to pursue legal action as a way to find justice and collect compensation for financial loss and suffering.
Contact Us
If you or someone you know was the victim of sexual abuse and you would like to learn more about legal options, call (800) 794-0444 to speak with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. In some cases, financial compensation is available for those who have suffered from sexual abuse.