How CARI can help you?
The subject of child sexual abuse is often extremely difficult for anyone to deal with. CARI is there to help answer any questions you may have while providing a safe and secure environment in which to do so.We specialise in professional, child centred therapy and counselling service for children, families, and groups who have been affected by child sexual abuse. These services are designed to be flexible to the particular needs of each client.
Services are offered regardless of means which allows anyone who needs help to take advantage of, it
Contact the CARI Foundation
General questions on abuse answered
1. What is child sexual abuse?
Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult uses his or her power and authority to force or persuade a child to take part in sexual activities, including exposure to, and the making of pornographic materials. A child is never in a position to make a valid choice about appropriate sexual acts. Incest refers to sexual abuse by a family member.
2. Who sexually abuses children?
Men and women sexually abuse children. Children are usually abused by someone they know, for example, a family member, babysitter, neighbour or authority figure. Sexual offenders often appear to be ordinary, trustworthy people. Child abusers are from every type of background.
3. Who is abused?
It can happen to any boy or girl. In the ten-year period between 1988 and 1998, Childline received over 780,000 calls from children. 52,000 were related to child sexual abuse.
Barnardos report an approximate of 600 cases of child sexual abuse annually, 60% of which are abuse within families.
Reports of child abuse increased by 58% between 1987 and 1991. On average the Health Board are receiving over 4,000 reported cases of alleged abuse of which 37.5% are confirmed.
The most recent research shows that 1 in 5 children in Ireland have experienced sexual abuse (SAVI).
Children who are affected by sexual abuse come from many different family backgrounds. The impact of this trauma upon them may be affected also by social problems such as marital difficulties, poor parenting, lack of finance, addiction or domestic violence.
4. What are the effects?
The effects will vary depending on the extent and nature of the abuse. How the child knows their abusers can also add to their trauma.
There are some general effects:
- loss of trust
- poor self esteem
- emotional deadness
- feeling responsible for the abuse guilt
The person may experience sexual difficulties, either being unable to engage in a sexual relationship or behaving promiscuously.
Some people resort to alcohol, drugs or food to numb the deep emotional pain and to build up 'protective' barriers from engaging with other people.
It is important to be aware that with skilled therapeutic intervention a person who has experienced child sexual abuse can recover fully and can progress in their life to have healthy relationships.
5. Recommended Reading for Parents
- Eastern Health Board (1991) The Stay Safe Programme Department of Health, Health Promotion Unit.
- Elliot, Michelle. Keeping Safe NEC
- Elliot, Michelle. Preventing Child Sexual Assault Bedford Square Press
- Hort-Rossi, Janie. Protect Your Child From Sexual Abuse - A Parents' Guide - accompanies Its My Body Parenting Press Inc. PO Box 75267, Seattle, WA 98125.
- Rape & Abuse Crisis Centre (1980) Red Flag Green Flag People - A Personal Safety Program for Children ISBN 0-914633-10-4