Children Sexually Abusing Other Children Should Not Be Ignored, Here’s What To Know
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There has been some recent high profile cases of celeb perpetrators as well as some inquiries into several child sexual abuse case that has brought the sexual abuse of kids once again into the forefront.
There are several inquiries being set up one of which includes the Australian Royal Commission that looks into matters related to child sexual abuse. Interestingly, the commission has spent over four years hearing testimony from sexual abuse survivors across Australia.
Now, it is the media attention that increased the number of people who are coming forward to share their personal experience of sexual abuse. Even if this is a good thing, the way the cases are covered or portrayed often result in unnecessary stereotype.
According to The Conversation, one of the stereotypes include the idea that all child sexual abuse are carried by an adult pedophile. Due to this, the idea of a child getting sexually abused by another child is often downplayed.
Some official figures indicate that between third and fifth cases of sexual abuse in almost all perpetrators are aged under 18 years. However, this fact and figure might be higher. In a survey conducted in the UK among 6000 people claimed that two-thirds of sexual abuse crimes they suffered from during childhood have been committed by children itself.
Interestingly, as The Independent reported, many child perpetrators have their own history of sexual abuse resulting in committing the crime. A study conducted in the UK among 700 people showed that almost 50 percent of sexual abusers had been the victim of sexual abuse.
Measures need to be taken to stop such abuse as well as to offer needed help of all sexual abuse victims. At present, such services are lacking, but the NSPCC would help the agencies to work accordingly. Failing to understand young people and children who show dangerous sexual behavior, means they are more likely to get inappropriate criminal justice designed for adults.
