Statements and Facts
regarding CSA
About CSA
Who can be a Abuser
Effects of CSA
Myths and Facts
1. Statement:
Children are rarely abused.
Fact: Children are the most vulnerable section of society,
because of their dependence on elders. Children in the age group
of 5-15 years are most likely to be targeted by abusers.
2. Statement: Only girls are the
victims of child sexual abuse.
Fact:
Both girls and boys are victims. However, boys cases are less
reported. According to Sahil statistics
over the last five years an average of 70% girls and 30%
boys have been sexually abused
3. Statement:
Children make up stories about being sexually abused.
Fact:
There are very rare instances where a child may make up a
story about abuse. Children in our society are kept ignorant of the
possibility of abuse. Children are not provided the language or
knowledge related to CSA.
4. Statement:
Most often strangers sexually abuse children.
Fact: According to
Sahil statistics, it is seen that
approximately 78% abusers are always acquaintances.
5. Statement:
Sexual abuse generally occurs outside the home.
Fact:
Most children are sexually abused in the homes. In a predominant
number of cases, the abuser has the trust of children and their
families and access to their homes.
6. Statement:
Child sexual abuse occurs mostly in poor, illiterate families.
Fact:
Child sexual abuses occurs in all classes of society. In upper
class society it is mostly hidden.
7. Statement:
Sometimes it is the child’s fault for being abused, because she/he
has asked for it.
Fact:
A
child can never initiate sexual abuse as it is an act of violation
against him/herself. It is natural for children to demand love and
attention. Abusers often misuse this natural instinct of the
child. It is then used as an excuse to relate this love and attention with
sex. The responsibility of sexual abuse always and always lies
with
the adult.
8. Statement:
A child should be encouraged to forget about the abuse as
there are no harmful effects of child sexual abuse.
Fact:
Child sexual abuse always has harmful effects. It leads to
behavioral, psychological and emotional disorders
9. Statement:
Reporting of child sexual abuse can cause more harm than good
Fact:
If child sexual abuse is not reported then the same abuser may
harm other children or may target the same child again.
10. Statement:
People who sexually abuse children are under treatment of a
psychiatrist for mental illness
Fact:
Sexual abuse is always planned over a period of time. Sahil data
has showed that no reported abuser was under
psychiatric treatment.
11. Statement:
There is always physical violence accompanying child sexual
abuse.
Fact:
Most often the abuser uses emotional manipulation. Blackmail is
used to coerce and to keep the victim quiet. Physical violence is
not used often as that may end the abuse
12. Statement:
Child sexual abuse is not very common in Pakistan. It is
primarily a western phenomenon
Fact:
Child sexual abuse happens all over the world. In Pakistan every
day more than four children are abused. (Sahil statistics 2005)
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