SEXUAL ABUSE is any form of sexual contact or conversation in which a child is sexually exploited for the purpose of bringing sexual gratification to the exploiter. It is a term that covers a broad range of actions and activities, from exposure to actual intercourse.
A child is molested every two minutes, according to some estimates. More than one out of three adult women and one in seven adult men have been sexually abused before the age of eighteen (18yrs).
Out of 20 women who have been abused sexually, 8 were from their family members and 12 from Non family members.
ACTIVITIES OR ACTIONS ➢ An Adult showing a child his or her genitals
➢ An Adult asking a child to undress to be looked at or fondled
➢ Adult touching child genitals
➢ An Adult having a child to touch his or her genitals
➢ Oral genital contact
➢ Forced Masturbation
➢ Penetration of the anus or vagina with fingers or another object
➢ Anal Penetration
➢ Intercourse
➢ Use of children for the production of pornographic materials
EFFECTS
➢ Physical & Medical Consequences
➢ Pregnancy
➢ Feelings of Helplessness
➢ Low Self Esteem
➢ Shame &Guilt
➢ Revictimization
OTHER EFFECTS
➢ Aggression
➢ Mistrust of Others
➢ Deficient Social Skills
➢ Emotional Withdrawal
➢ Criminal behaviors (Prostitution)
➢ Suicidal tendences
MEASURES
➢ Distance/ Avoid your Self from the person
➢ SPEAK UP!!!!!!!!
➢ TALK TO
▪ Concerned Parent/ Guardian
▪ Pastor/ Church Leader
▪ School Teacher
▪ Counsellor
▪ Report at any Government Security Agency like the Police
Mr. Ivan Nii Oblitey Ashong, Founder of OB Cares, a Certified Family Life Educator and Counsellor of the Christian Council of Ghana and a Proud Member of the Mt. Zion Society Methodist Church, Korle Gonno Circuit