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The American Psychological Association website posted an article, “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." There is a universal definition of child sexual abuse set forth by E. Sue Blume in her book, Secret Survivors: Uncovering Incest and Its Aftereffects in Women, published 1991. Ms. Blume derived the definition of sexual child abuse on the experiences of women who survived various and unfathomable acts of sexual child abuse versus professional opinion as to what sexual abuse is or is not.
It is astonishing that the APA is clearly 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 defined as "sexual intercourse between two persons too closely related to marry legally—sex between siblings, first cousins, the seduction by fathers of their daughters." This dysfunctional blood relationship, however, does not completely describe what children are experiencing. To fully understand all sexual abuse, we need to look beyond the blood bond and include the emotional bond between the victim and his or her perpetrator. Thus, a new definition has emerged. The new definition now relies less on the blood bond between 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 appropriate by a person with whom a different relationship is required. It is abuse because it does not take into consideration 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 nurturing purpose for the benefit of the child, it is abuse. If it is unwanted or inappropriate for her age or the relationship, it is abuse. Incest [sexual abuse] can occur through words, sounds, or even exposure of the child to sights or acts that are sexual but do not involve 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 activity with someone who is in a position of greater power, whether that power is derived through the perpetrator’s age, size, status, or relationship, the act is abusive. A child who cannot 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 impact of sexual abuse ranges from no apparent effects to very severe ones." The belief that there is ‘no apparent’ effects implies that all after effects are obviously 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 related to childhood sexual abuse. They often 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 healthy ways is profoundly affected and this is taken into adult life. In summary—the legacy of every unhealed sexual abuse survivor includes diminished self-worth, limited ability to trust, and the burden of a shameful secret she/he cannot express.
The article concludes that “Conclusive physical evidence of sexual abuse is relatively rare in suspected cases. For all of these reasons, when abuse is suspected, an appropriately trained health professional should be consulted." With the belief that there is no universal definition of sexual child abuse—there is no possibility 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 evidence on which a professional can base their findings versus personal opinion.
Dorothy M. Neddermeyer, PhD, author, "If I'd Only Known...Sexual Abuse in or Out of the Family: A Guide to Prevention, specializes in: Mind, Body, Spirit healing and Physical/Sexual Abuse Prevention and Recovery. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net |
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