...Sexually Abused Children Who Exhibit Sexual Behavior Problems: Victimization Characteristics Samantha Chromy, PhD The recognition of sexual behavior problems (SBP) in children has implications for child protection. Research needs to focus on identifying factors that indicate and contribute to the development of SBP. SBP is a common aftereffect of sexual abuse, but not all sexually abused children develop SBP. The child’s experience of abuse is thought to impact the development of SBP. This study used a retrospective chart review of the clinical records of 125 children who received services at a counseling center specializing in sexual abuse concerns. The children who exhibited SBP and those who did not were compared on variables related to their experience of sexual abuse. Analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups on the frequency and the age of onset of abuse. The children who exhibited SBP were abused with more frequency and at a younger age than those who did not. [Brief Treatment and Crisis Intervention 7:25–33 (2007)] KEY WORDS: sexual, abuse, children, behavior, behavior problems, victim. There is increased awareness that childhood sexual abuse is perpetrated not only by adult offenders but also by children (Araji, 1997). Many adult and adolescent offenders began perpetrating or displayed sexual behavior problems (SBP) at young ages (Araji, 1997; Burton, 2000). Data from child protection agencies have indicated that 40% of all childhood...
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...Few stages are as important for the proper development of a child as the sexual stages. Because children are experiencing something profoundly new and unexpected (even if it is actually radically old and predictable), they lack the experiential vocabulary required to communicate it. It is our job as parents to be in tune with these amorphous emotions and nascent desires. Learning to distinguish between "normal" and "alarming" childhood sexual behavior is key to ensuring healthy sexual development. If deviant or violent sexual behavior goes unnoticed or untreated in these early stages, there can be grave consequences. The brutal murder of 7-year-old Jorelys Rivera serves as a painful but apt example of such consequences. This past Thursday, January 19, the grisly saga came to a violent close when Rivera's killer, 20-year-old Ryan Brunn, hung himself in his jail cell. In the wake of this maelstrom, the families of both victim and perpetrator are left picking up the pieces of their shattered lives, while the public at large continue to ask: How could this tragedy have been averted? Stories like these can be terrifying for parents. We all fear the possibility that one of our children could end up a victim of sexual crime. However, parents rarely consider the possibility that one of their children could end up the perpetrator of those same crimes. Until Ryan Brunn plead guilty, his family couldn't believe that he had committed the crime. "[He is] kind-hearted. ... He's great with...
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...The Impact of Foster Care on Child Development Demeka F. Gaddy Liberty University Abstract The foster care system was designed to provide a safe temporary placement for children who can no longer stay in the care of their parents or guardian. The overall goal of foster care is for the children to return home to their caregiver. If the caregiver fails to regain custody the child is placed in other living arrangements, to include foster homes. However there is a controversy over the effectiveness of the foster care system in regards to child development. Foster care has been linked to negative impacts in child development to include; physical and sexual abuse, attachment disorders, and behavioral problems that eventually lead to children being placed in multiple placements and in some cases the juvenile justice system,. Children who are in foster care are a vulnerable group due to the being removed from their home, in some cases abruptly. It has been proven that the longer children living in foster care are subject to negative development more than children who do not live in foster care. Based on these factors the foster care system needs to focus more on the needs of the child so that positive development can occur. Keywords: child welfare, abuse, child development The Negative Impacts of Foster Care on Child Development The foster care system was designed to provide a safety net for children and families and to reunite children with their biological parents if possible...
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...PSY 410 Defining Abnormalities Gender and sexual preferences/practices Gender and gender roles have different influences. Prenanatal exposure to androgen or the media both show influences (Kenyon, 2006). To be in consideration of normal a boy child should play with a truck and a girl a doll. Many children like to experiment, such as a little boy who wants to try on his “mommy’s” shoes. The able normal behavior occurs if the little boy prefers mommy’s clothing over that of his specific gender. Although in society no one seems to look twice at a women wearing men’s clothing. It is difficult to define what normal and abnormal behavior by gender and sexual preferences or practices in a changing world. The DSM-II defines sexual orientation disorders as a person who is in conflict with his or her own sexual identity, disturbed by the sexual identity, or a desire to change his or her own sexual identity (DSM-II Homosexuality_Revision.pdf, 1973). This should not be in confusion with homosexuality. Homosexuality is the sexual activity between two members of the same gender (Lecture 21, 2010). Homosexuality was historically a sexual deviation disorder according to the DSM-II. However, during the 60s and 70s the definition of homosexuality was reexamined and was no longer thought to be a disorder. The reexamination states defining homosexuality as a disorder was on a basis of values not on the collection of data. The DSM-III made the changes necessary to form a new category...
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...Internal and External Factors Influencing the Development of Gender Identity Lanita Doub Liberty University COUN 502-Human Growth & Development Laura Rolen August 11, 2012 Internal and External Factors Influencing the Development of Gender Identity Gender identity is defined as "the perception of oneself as male or female", ( Feldman, 2011). Gender is established by the time a child reaches his or her preschool years. "By the age of two, children consistently label themselves and those around them as male or female" (Feldman, 2011). Preschoolers are very rigid in their beliefs about gender-appropriate behavior. These beliefs become more pronounced by the age of five years. By age seven years the beliefs are still there, although less rigid. Preschooler's ideas of stereotypical behavior are compared to those of traditional adults. Preschoolers develop a gender schema, "a cognitive framework that organizes information relevant to gender"(Feldman, 2011). For example, a preschool boy may refuse to wear makeup in a school play because he knows that makeup is for girls only. In 1966, Lawrence Kohlberg proposed a cognitive-developmental theory, which explains the rigidity of preschoolers as their understanding of gender, and gender appropriate behavior (Feldman, 2011). Shuvo Ghosh states that the development of gender identity "clearly begins in the intrauterine stage". He attributes this to hormone production...
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...in children Name of the Student: Course code: Tutor: Date of Submission: How the body of the child might question notions of normative sexuality? Normative sexuality refers to the normal sexual orientation whereby sexual and marital associations are mostly (or only) recognized when it occurs between a man and a woman. Normative sexual behavior has been depicted in children as young as 2 years of age. The results of such behaviors have remained challenging to clinicians as differentiating them with those caused by sexual abuse.[1] The close relationships between sexual abuse and normative sexual behavior in children have drawn a lot of concern in the recent past. This has called for knowledge expansion among the practicing pediatricians as regards to what is to be considered normative about sexual actions in children and teenagers and those that might be an indication that the child has been a victim of sexual abused or even acting in a manner that demonstrates sexual aggressiveness to fellow children. However it is worth noting that sexual development and plays are a positive indication of healthy and natural processes in children from toddlers through childhood to adolescence. For the case of toddlers and infant, it may involve body sensations, cuddling and touch amongst others. Behavior such as rubbing of genital parts and even erection experience is witnessed among the infant boys.[2] It is also common that early school going children start...
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...Identifying the types of sexual offenders Sexual offenders are a major problem in today’s society. There has been an increasingly amount of research done in order to fully understand, and identify the types of sexual offenders. Researchers are trying to focus on finding types of treatments that could help sexual offenders. Since there are a lot of different types of offenders, building a treatment program is seen as a difficult task. Sexual offenders vary in terms of their characteristics, and their reasoning behind their acts. They are viewed as a heterogeneous group; which means that their types vary according to their characteristics. In order to help keep our society safe, it is important for us to understand the reason as to why sexual offenders commit the acts that they do. It is also important to understand the different types of treatments offered to sexual offenders, and if it reduces any risks of recidivism. This research paper will demonstrate ten different articles with ten very different analysis as to why sexual offenders offend, and what kind of treatment can be offered in order to reduce the chance of recidivism. Types of sexual offenders In order to fully understand this paper we first have to identify, and explain each typology of sexual offenders. What is a sexual offender? A basic definition of a sexual offender is someone who commits a sexual crime against someone. According to the encyclopedia of social and behavioural sciences “Sex offenders...
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...Our sexual behaviors are part of our humanity. Fetuses can actually express sexual behaviors prior to birth. This is seen more often in males than females. In infancy, our sexual behaviors start to emerge. This continues on through our childhood as we develop. Baby boys can experience erections prior to birth. Baby girls can experience vaginal lubrication and swelling prior to birth. Infants start to show pelvic thrusting at 8 to 10 months and begin masturbating between 6 and 12 months (Nevid,Rathus & Fichner-Rathus, 2005).Sexual curiosity and behaviors are a normal part of early childhood development. Kissing is a game that young children play at together. They may also try same sex experimentations. Preadolescence is the stage between age 9 and 13. During this stage, masturbation emerges as a key sexual behavior. A child will continue to evidence sexual curiosity throughout preadolescence, including male-female and same sex experimentation. This experimentation may consist of mutual masturbation or genital touching (Nevid, Rathus & Fichner-Rathus, 2005).During adolescence, puberty takes place. This is the stage during which reproduction becomes biologically possible. The secondary sex characteristics start to appear. This stage ends when no further bone growth is evidenced (Nevid, Rathus &Fichner-Rathus, 2005). During adolescence, females start menstruation. Young women’s bodies produce estrogen allowing for breast growth at this stage. Young men produce higher levels of testosterone...
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...my uncle. I watched from my room as my parents drove away and the fear began. I entered the room to watch TV with my uncle. He put in a video of a sexual nature, as I get up to leave the room, he makes me stay. He touches me; I tried to get away but was over powered. Then it happens again, the sexual abuse and I was afraid to tell and face the consequences if I did. Child sexual abuse, is one of the most traumatic and devastating crimes with far reaching and sometimes, lifelong and lasting negative effects. It encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions and situations that at times may be difficult to delineate clearly and separately. Child sexual abuse is usually found in combinations rather than alone. Child sexual abuse is a problem of epidemic proportion in the United States as well as worldwide with many cases going unreported. Every day more than four children die as a result of child sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse is a crime that does not discriminate; it crosses all ethnic, social economic and racial lines. Key words: Effect, psychological, Self-Esteem, Child Sexual Abuse The Federal Government has established a very broad definition of child sexual abuse but has left it up to each state as to specific and detailed provisions. The Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment (CAPTA) amendments of 1996 defines child sexual abuse as * The employment, use, persuasion, inducement, enticements, or coercion of any child to engage in, or assist any other person to engage...
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...DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN SEXUALITY NaShawn Edwards July 10, 2013 DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN SEXUALITY A young boy sits and watches children playing on the playground, trying to see which activity he wants to engage in. He sees a group of boys playing basketball on one side and down the way he sees a group of girls playing “double dutch” jump rope. Off to the side of them are some boys watching and talking to them, flirting. The young boy decides he wants play jump rope with them. The young man approaches the girls and they invite him to join them. The young man makes his first attempt to jump in the ropes. As soon as he is ready to jump in, he’s pushed from behind. The push is so forceful that he stumbles into the ropes, tangling them around him and falls to the ground, scraping his knee badly. He looks up and sees one of the boys that was watching the girls play jump rope, had pushed him. He started shouting obscenely things at the young boy and soon begin punching hitting and kicking him. The young boy didn’t know what he did wrong and why he was being treated this way. An adult saw what was going on and ran to stop it. He then took the young boy home with the little boy asking “Why?” See the young boy didn’t know that jump rope was known as “femininity”. He was raised to be open-minded and androgynous. The other boy was raised and taught the masculine gender roles and what he is appropriate and inappropriate behavior. Somehow, the other boy felt that the young boy’s behavior...
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...Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior PSY/265 Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior Sexual behavior begins during infancy. Ultrasounds have shown erections in male infants and sucking reflexes in both male and female infants. Infants experience genital stimulation when they are bathed or changed by their parents. Masturbation is common for infants 6 to 12 months. The infant may use a blanket, towel, or doll to stimulate the genitals until they possess the capability to manually stimulate themselves (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Pelvic thrusting, typically when held by a parent or loved one, occurs between 8 to 10 months of age (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Sexual responses that resemble orgasm occur as early as 5 months in boys, 4 months in girls. Most infants and young children experience sexual curiosity and genital play with others between 12 months and 2 years. During early childhood children begin to experience curiosity about the genitals. Sex games such as “playing doctor” typically occur in the company of a child of the same sex. Touching is a common activity, although oral and anal contact occurs as well (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Sexual behavior during preadolescence typically revolves around groups of same-sex peers. At this stage, boys and girls segregate themselves according to gender and believe the opposite sex is gross or “nerdy” (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2005). Image and peer approval...
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...of Childhood Sexual Abuse Shobila Kaligounder Marymount University Introduction As per UNICEF’s (2014) definition, sexual violence against children comprises any sexual activities imposed by an adult on a child against which the child is entitled to protection by criminal law. This includes: (a) The inducement or coercion of a child to engage in any unlawful or psychologically harmful sexual activity; (b) The use of children in commercial sexual exploitation; (c) The use of children in audio or visual images of child sexual abuse; and (d) Child prostitution, sexual slavery, sexual exploitation in travel and tourism, trafficking for purposes of sexual exploitation (within and between countries), sale of children for sexual purposes and forced marriage. Sexual activities are also considered as abuse when committed against a child by another child if the offender is significantly older than the victim or uses power, threat or other means of pressure. Consensual sexual activities between children are not considered as sexual abuse if the children are older than the age limit defined by the State Party. In spite of a clear definition for child sexual abuse violence in the lives of children is so real and as an international community we do very little to protect them. There is also a dearth of data to prove the prevalence of violence due to the hidden nature of the abuse and gives a false notion that it is a rare occurrence. Children are vulnerable to sexual victimization...
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...Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior Chari Kelley PSY 265 August 16, 2012 University of Phoenix Childhood Development and Sexual Behavior It has been said that we engage in sexual behaviors as young as 0-2 years old. Fetuses can actually express sexual behaviors. During an ultrasound it has been seen by many that male fetuses can have erections. May boys are born with erections and they can also have them during their first few weeks (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2011). It is far more difficult to detect any sexual arousal in the female infant; however evidence of genital swelling and lubrication has been reported (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2011). Infants can show pelvic thrusting as soon as 8-10 months and they begin to masturbate between 6-12 months (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2011). Throughout the early childhood years children start to wonder about their bodies. They begin to explore one another’s bodies and play games like “doctor”. At this time they will also begin to masturbate by touching their private parts. Not knowing that they are actually masturbating but knowing that they like the feeling they receive when touching themselves. For the period of preadolescence, which ranges from ages 9-13 (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2011) some sexual behaviors are sexually related rather than sexual (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2011). Children will typically form a bond with a “best friend”. This best friend will...
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...gender identity and sexual behavior or examine how the interaction between hormones and behavior can be | |somewhat complicated. It would be easier to explain if we could say that behavior is caused unequivocally by hormones in the body. What | |has been established though is that elevated levels of hormones increase the chance of certain behaviors, and certain behaviors increase | |the likelihood of change in hormones. What also has been established is that hormones carry messages and that they can affect facets of | |the body at different times (Kalat, 2001). When the body requires a certain process to be done or needs a certain protein made, the | |brain emits a signal to make a certain type of hormone. Those signals are sent through other kinds of hormones that are also in the body.| |Puberty is the time when hormones disperse and levels rise. The testosterone levels in males are usually higher than the estrogen levels | |and that’s when tissue and muscle growth give rise to masculinity. In females, the estrogen levels predominate resulting in femininity. | |At any rate, the lessened or heightened amount of either of these hormones in the male or female body does activate certain behaviors such| |as aggressiveness and moodiness in a person. Therefore, behavior is influenced by estrogen, androgens, and progestin hormones acting on | |the brain (Pinel, 2009). Since that is the case, hormones do have some say in how the behavior of an individual is...
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...child abuse Definition Any behavior directed toward a child that endangers or impairs a child’s physical or emotional health and development -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The physical or mental injury, sexual abuse or exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened.” Child Welfare Act -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In 1999, the WHO Consultation on Child Abuse Prevention compared definitions of abuse from 58 countries and drafted the following definition: ‘‘Child abuse or maltreatment constitutes all forms of physical or emotional ill-treatment, sexual abuse, or neglect, resulting in actual or potential harm to the child’s health, survival, development or dignity in the context of a relationship of responsibility, trust or power.’’ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Problem Types of child abuse: * Physical abuse (28%) Physical abuse is any non-accidental injury to a child under the age of 18 by a parent or caretaker. These injuries may include beatings, shaking, burns, human bites or others, with...
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