Universal Child
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It is distressing to read an article by a well-known professional organization, “Understanding Child Sexual Abuse Education, Prevention, and Recovery,” which perpetuates child sexual abuse misconceptions. For example–the article states: “There is no universal definition of child sexual abuse.” E. Sue Blume set forth a universal definition of child sexual abuse in her book, Secret Survivors: Uncovering Incest and Its Aftereffects in Women, published 1991. Ms. Blume derived the definition on the experiences of women who pulled through respective and unfathomable acts of sexual child abuse versus professional sentiment as to what sexual abuse is or is not. It is astonishing that the APA (publisher of the aforementioned article) is distinctly ignorant of this highly acclaimed work and is continuing to perpetuate antiquated perceptions regarding child sexual abuse. This egregious inaccuracy is tantamount to aiding and abetting sex offenders as the judicial system relies on the APA to set definitions and standards for social issues–such as: domestic violence, child sexual abuse, rape, etc. E. Sue Blume states, “Traditionally, incest was specified as “sexual intercourse amidst two persons too almost affiliated to marry legally–sex amongst siblings, introductory cousins, the seduction by fathers of their daughters.” This dysfunctional blood relationship, however, does not wholly describe what children are experiencing. To completely perceive all sexual abuse, we need to look beyond the blood bond and include the aroused bond among the victim and his or her perpetrator. Thus, a new definition has emerged. The new definition now relies less on the blood bond amid the victim and the perpetrator and more on the experience of the child.” “Incest is both sexual abuse and an abuse of power. It is violence that does not require force. Another is using the victim, treating them in a way that they do not want or in a way that is not suitable by a person with whom a dissimilar kinship is required. It is abuse because it does not take into contemplation the needs or wishes of the child; rather, it meets the needs of the other person at the child’s expense. If the experience has sexual meaning for another person, in lieu of a fostering intention for the gain of the child, it is abuse. If it is undesirable or unsuitable for her age or the relationship, it is abuse. Incest [sexual abuse] may take place through words, sounds, or even exposure of the child to sights or acts that are sexual but do not implicate her. If she is forced to see what she does not want to see, for instance, by an exhibitionist, it is abuse. If a child is forced into an experience that is sexual in content or overtone that is abuse. As long as the child is induced into sexual action with an individual who is in a position of dandier power, whether that power is derived through the perpetrator’s age, size, status, or relationship, the act is abusive. A child who can not refuse, or who believes she or he cannot refuse, is a child who has been violated.” E. Sue Blume, Secret Survivors: Uncovering Incest and Its Aftereffects in Women Another inaccuracy and misconception the APA sets forth is–”the affect of sexual abuse ranges from no apparent effects to very severe ones.” The faith that there is ‘no apparent’ effects implies that all after effects are evidently apparent. This is not the case for any sexual abuse survivor. In fact the majority of survivors do no realize their issues in life are directly affiliated to childhood sexual abuse. They ofttimes believe their struggles in life are their inadequacies to meet life’s travail. Every aspect of a child’s physical, emotional, mental, behavioral, sexual and spiritual self is compromised. The capacity for the child to relate in healthful ways is profoundly affected and this is taken into adult life. In summary–the bequest of each unhealed sexual abuse survivor includes diminished self-worth, fixed capacity to trust, and the burden of a shameful mystery she/he cannot express. The article concludes that “Conclusive physical proof of sexual abuse is comparatively rare in suspected cases. For all of these reasons, when abuse is suspected, an appropriately trained health professional must be consulted.” With the faith that there is no universal definition of sexual child abuse–there is no possibleness for any health professional to be appropriately trained. Therefore, with no definition of sexual child abuse it is at the discretion of the professional on each case, as to whether abuse actually occurred. However, if the definition set forth by E. Sue Blume is applied there is exacting forensic proof on which a professional may base their conclusions versus personal opinion. |
