Sexual Abuse of Child refers to the act of subjecting a child to any form of sexual activity, involvement, or exploitation for the sexual gratification of an adult or older individual. This abhorrent behavior includes a wide range of activities that may involve physical contact, coercion, manipulation, or exposure to sexual material and situations that are deemed inappropriate for a child's age or development stage.
Sexual abuse of a child can occur in various forms, such as fondling, touching, or penetration of a child's genitals, oral-genital contact, exhibitionism, voyeurism, forcing a child to engage in sexual acts, or exposing a child to sexually explicit materials, including pornography. It is crucial to note that even non-physical acts, like online grooming for sexual exploitation, can also constitute sexual abuse.
This traumatic experience can lead to severe short-term and long-term consequences for the child's physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Victims of sexual abuse may experience feelings of guilt, shame, confusion, and low self-esteem. They may suffer from anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and exhibit behavioral and developmental problems as a result.
Sexual abuse of a child is universally condemned due to its detrimental impact on the victim. Legal systems worldwide impose strict penalties and punishments for individuals involved in such heinous acts, aiming to protect and safeguard the rights and well-being of children.
