NEO Maroc

The problem of child sexual abuse. Statistics indicate that 70% of children in the world have been exposed to one or more types of sexual harassment, and the rate of child harassment in the Arab world has increased significantly in recent times.

 

The problem of child sexual abuse

The problem of child sexual abuse

Most studies and statistics have confirmed that many incidents of child molestation are not reported for family reasons and for fear of social scandal or shame that may befall the victim child and his family, not to mention its bad effects that continue on the child in the long term, even though harassment may occur. Against his will, exploiting his weakness, chastity, and innocence.

Definition of sexual harassment

Child sexual harassment is defined by the World Health Organization as engaging a child in a sexual activity that he does not understand, so it is considered a type of child abuse that begins with sharing pictures and clips, then verbal harassment, then pressure, and coercion. The actions may continue until they reach social intimidation, and finally the use of physical force and rape.

Forms of sexual harassment

There are many forms of sexual harassment of children, which begin with obscene sexual gestures or words, inappropriate contact or touching electronic harassment, direct sexual contact with the child, or actual rape.

The rape

Child rape is considered the most heinous and criminal form of sexual harassment, which means every insinuation, word, or action emanating from the sexual desire of a child under the age of 18, or the use of a child to satisfy the sexual desires of an adult or teenager, or between two minors whose age difference exceeds 5 years, and the age limit adopted by most countries in the world is 18 years, which also includes exposing the child to any sexual activity or behavior (visual, verbal, physical).

Causes of sexual harassment

Perhaps the most important causes of sexual harassment are the psychological illnesses that the perpetrator suffers from, such as mental retardation, pathological changes, schizophrenia, watching pornographic films, abuse of alcohol and drugs that may affect a person’s mind and completely nullify it, weak religious motivation and moral motivation, and poor upbringing, including family neglect of children. In proper education, social isolation, lack of supervision, and family problems.

Being exposed to cases of sexual harassment or rape as a child, feeling an inferiority complex, the absence of deterrent punishments for these aggressors, the negativity of society in many situations in which it must play a conscious role, feared by those with corrupt morals and bad intentions, and promiscuity and its impact on the spread of harassment and grooming.

Symptoms that may appear on a raped child

At the age of 3 years:

• Feeling extremely afraid and crying for no apparent reason.

• Vomiting without a clear organic cause.

• Lack of control over excretion (urine and stool).

• Sleep problems.

• Problems with delayed physical growth and lack of weight gain.

From 3 -9 years old:

• Feeling afraid of some people, places, or activities for no apparent reason.

• Delaying the normal stages of growth.

• Special problems related to sexual orientation.

• Nightmares while sleeping.

• Failed to make new friends.

• Avoid old or young people.

• Nutrition and appetite problems.

From the age of 9 years until after puberty:

• Depression and bad dreams.

• Significant delay in academic progress.

• Taking some prohibited drugs, such as drugs.

• Acting violently towards others without clear reasons.

• Leave home.

• Some aspects of previous stages.

The effects of rape on the child

Physical damage:

• Feeling pain in the genital areas and inflammation.

• Difficulty walking and sitting.

• Head and pelvis pain.

• Aversion and lack of participation in various activities.

• Engaging in deviant behavior.

• Lack of confidence in oneself or others.

• Aggressiveness.

• Genital mutilation.

• Self torture.

• The horror.

• Constant anxiety.

• Seductive and provocative actions of the girl to others.

Psychological damage:

• feeling guilty.

• Accusing oneself of not resisting and protecting.

• The possibility of increased harm when the assault is covered up and the aggressor is not held accountable.

Signs of sexual assault detection

• Mood changes.

• Introversion and lack of speech.

• Shifting to the opposite with increased movement and acts of sabotage.

• Absence for many times on the street.

• Confusion and anxiety when returning home.

• Distraction and inability to achieve academic achievement.

• Sudden cessation of some habits and activities.

• Some physical indicators of abuse include bruises or genital irritation.

• Practicing inappropriate sexual behavior.

Protection from rape

• Teaching the child the etiquette of covering the private parts.

• Teach the child that there are parts of his body that no one has the right to see or touch.

• Parents monitor the child, especially in places where they fear for him, without harassing him and without notifying him.

• Training the child to differentiate between a caring look and a harassing look.

• Teach the child that the best way when he is exposed to harassment is to scream and take 3 steps back, then immediately flee the site and go to nearby public places or home.

• Teach the child to tell his mother all his diaries and what happens to him.

• Do not scold or scold the child when he tells his mother what is bothering him, especially when he is being harassed.

• The mother plays the role of a friend who listens well to her child.

• Always take care of the family through prevention and avoid leniency and negligence.

• Not relying on others to take care of her children or take care of her young ones.