9 forms of sexual abuse

The different forms of sexual abuse (as well as other forms of abuse) are relative to culture, society, historical moment and approved laws, therefore There is still no international consensus. The truth is that a good part of professionals still deal with sexual abuse and other types of sexual abuse from a sexphobic attitude. For example, some do not consider certain physical abuse, such as genital mutilations, to be sexual abuse.

Félix López affirms that they are committed two professional and social errors: forgetting about other forms of abuse and not including a positive approach to childhood sexuality. As you say, “We have finally broken the social and professional silence”so we will place special emphasis on the different forms of sexual abuse.

9 forms of sexual abuse

It is understood as sexual abuse any action (intentional, non-accidental and/or omission) that may harm and harm a person’s sexuality, and consequently their subsequent sexual and emotional development. Starting from the category of “sexual abuse”, Félix López proposes 9 forms of child sexual abuse that can be applicable to any person regardless of their age:

Mutilations or bodily harm in areas of clear sexual significance. Some examples would be the mutilation of the clitoris, the breasts or pressure with materials that prevent their growth, etc. Sexual abuse. The person who abuses is usually older in power and knowledge and uses a person who cannot consent (given his or her age, mental or social limitations, due to submission…). The forms and strategies used by abusers are very diverse, for example through coercion or deception, or through the Internet (sexting, grooming, etc…). Sexual exploitation. It involves the sale and/or purchase of sexual services or any type of commercial mediation in this type of activity. In no case is it a free decision on the part of the exploited person.

Pornography: It involves involving people in the production, marketing, sale, purchase, dissemination or use of content without their consent. In no case is it a free decision, and like sexual exploitation, its nature is commercial. Marriage commitments of minors. These commitments are made by adults, in very varied ways, and frequently the victims are women. Do not accept sexual identity. For example, not recognizing and accepting transsexuality and transgenderism is an attack on personal identity, on the most authentic self. This entails a lot of suffering and very negative effects on all aspects of life. Do not accept sexual orientation. For example, not accepting homosexuality or bisexuality implies not respecting that all people have the same sexual and love needs regardless of the sex of the people with whom they want to resolve them. Not accepting sexual orientation is an attack against one’s own person and one’s sexual and love life. Gender violence, all types of domestic violence, and non-egalitarian educational models. Gender and domestic violence are very specific forms of abuse that do not favor good socialization as a man or woman. With respect to sexist education, especially that which discriminates against women from childhood, it causes deficiencies that hinder the good emotional and sexual development of both sexes. Sexual neglect:

– Virtual or real access to violent, sexphobic sexuality, etc.

-Non-acceptance of sexuality in people with disabilities: refers to denying sexual education and sexual rights to people with disabilities, since it is a principle of integration and normalization in the sexual, emotional and loving field. The opposite implies violating fundamental rights.

-Important shortcomings regarding sexual education in family and school: it is important not to deny basic information and provide adequate positive sexual education in childhood and adolescence that helps avoid well-known risks.

The different forms of sexual abuse in childhood

These acts attack prepubescent or adolescent minors, truncating their development in numerous aspects. The most common childhood sexual abuse in girls is caressing below the waist and exhibitionism. In children it is caressing, below and above the waist, and masturbation.

When abuse is repeated, the effects increase in between 40% and 50% of cases. This is due to an increased feeling of helplessness, the possibility of more aggressive strategies, and the effect of temporal intermittency.

On the other hand, it is important to educate children about respect for the general body, both their own and that of others, both in a sexual context and outside of it. In short, it is necessary to accept childhood sexuality, offer education and protection, and avoid any form of sexual abuse.

Bibliographic references:

López, F. (2014). Sexual abuse and other forms of sexual abuse. Madrid. Synthesis Editorial.

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