A recent report from Save The Children has brought to light shocking facts about the sexual abuse of minors. In Spain, between 10% and 20% of the population has suffered some type of sexual abuse in childhood. The study identifies as culprits most of the times acquaintances of these children; They take advantage of this "privileged" situation to blackmail and / or deceive them. The abuse of power by adults also makes minors remain silent in these situations.
There are some signs that can help detect adult abuse of minors. However, it must be taken into account that on several occasions there has been the case in which minors have abused minors. This last type of abuse is not punished in the same way as that from adult to minor, but it has the same consequences for the abused: humiliation and the total withdrawal of their privacy.
Main solutions to sexual abuse
Early training for boys and girls
According to the studies, in countries with programs for the prevention of sexual abuse directed at minors, boys and girls are 50% less likely to suffer them. The workshops offered must be given by personnel trained in sex education and should not be limited to specific activities.
In addition, sex education should be integrated from an early age to penetrate better in adolescents. This would encourage respect in relationships and would also reduce possible abuse of young children by adolescents (who are still minors).
Positive discipline for our sons and daughters
Minors who are sexually abused tend to have lower self-esteem. They are also quieter and more lonely people. If from childhood we endow our children with large doses of confidence in themselves, they will be less vulnerable to manipulation by others, which expressly addresses sexual abuse.
Know how to identify victims of sexual abuse
A news flash counts as a Uruguayan girl had to record the sexual abuse suffered by her father to be believed. In Spain last year, a nine-year-old girl hid a tape recorder in her sock to show adults who did not believe her that she was being the victim of her father. Professionals who work with or near children should be able to identify victims.
Of all the experiences of sexual abuse told to teachers, only 15% were reported to the authorities. A testimony of this nature should not be overlooked or considered as "imaginations" of young children since they are acts not appropriate for their age with which they should not be able to identify or with which they can deceive.
Preconstituted tests to care for minors
Once the minors have reported the abuse, they have to count and repeat their statement up to 4 times. This is not only bad for your emotional well-being; the version of events can be modified by time or by external influences. This is why we are trying to obtain the validity, through forensic psychologists, of the preconstituted tests.
The minors could record their complaint before a psychologist who would affirm the validity of the facts, making the minors no longer have to be exposed to relive the same thing over and over again. In addition, from the complaint to the final judgment, more than 3 years may pass; An atrocity.
Never hesitate to report such humiliating and horrible acts as sexual abuse.
And why are they not reported?
Let me explain a current case.
I am going to explain a case to you.
Small town of Valencia.
They have opened on a platform (www.change.org) a collection of signatures in favor of a former professor sentenced to 30 years in prison for sexual abuse. As soon as they learned that one of the parties had requested their admission to prison, they had already published and collected more than 600 signatures in their favor. They go house to house in various towns, and we know that even coercing if you don't sign.
On the same platform, in favor of the girls, who are being insulted by the social networks, friends of the convicted person, (of which pertinent copies have been obtained), another collection of signatures in favor of the girls has been published.
They have only signed about 180 signatures. What happens to this society?
The case was published a few days ago by ABC, EL MUNDO, EL PAIS, LEVANTE, and EUROPA PRESS.
Tuesday is the hearing for his admission to prison. 30 years.
Best regards.
Arturo, the passivity with which society assists with all kinds of abuse against children is terrible. We did not know the case you are talking about. There is no doubt that we live in an adult-centered society, it makes you want to scream.
Thanks for commenting Fernando, and sorry for the delay in responding. We knew the Vicky Bernadet Foundation, they do a wonderful job. All the best.