Terri Ramsey Beavers Did you know that over 57,000 children are victims of sexual abuse?
As a parent, you want to protect your children from these horrors. That’s why you’re likely to teach your children to be careful with strangers. But in some cases, a child on child sexual abuse happens.
Don’t panic yet.
With this guide, you’ll know more about this phenomenon and what you can do about it. Read on and find out more:
1. Suing a Minor for Sexual Assault is Possible
It’s possible to press criminal charges to a child perpetrator of sexual assault crime. When sexual abuse happens between children, filing a civil lawsuit can prove guilt and let the victims get restitution. It also holds third parties like schools liable since they failed to prevent this situation from happening.
As a parent, you can bring a lawsuit on your child’s name. Otherwise, they can wait until they’re 18 to file the lawsuit on their own. Minors can get sued using a litigation guardian, which makes them responsible for judgments against the child.
Check out this link if you want to learn more about school sexual abuse.
2. Minors Can Get Charged With Sexual Assault
It’s possible, but when pressing criminal charges for this crime, you must consider your state’s laws. For example, in California, the law won’t start criminal proceedings against children 14 years or younger. Children between ages 14-17 engaging in sexual activity count as misdemeanors, subject to juvenile court treatment.
California laws punish minors over the age of 14 abusing a younger child with a felony charge. Once charged as an adult, the court imposes formal supervised probation, as well as other punishments. Some of these include state prison sentences, fines, and registration as a sex offender.
3. Impact of Sexual Abuse on Child Development
Child sexual abuse victims face both immediate and chronic psychological consequences. You can check out studies on child sexual abuse, such as this one. But the most immediate effects of this crime include:
- Shock
- Fear
- PTSD
- Denial
- Isolation
- Grief
Depending on their age, victims can get impaired neurobiological changes and hinder their development. Some of these consequences carry over until adulthood, affecting how they function in many ways. It can manifest as substance abuse and borderline personality disorder, especially for women.
The worst part is that most sexual assault victims won’t disclose their experience. As a parent, you’re likely to rely on your intuition to discover the symptoms of a child on child sexual assault. Often, victims respond with fear, lack of interest, and drastic personality changes like increased aggression and disturbed sleeping patterns.
Prevent Child on Child Sexual Abuse
The knowledge of child on child sexual abuse helps you become more prepared. Use the facts stated here to protect your children. Don’t hesitate and always stay prepared for any situation.
Did this guide help raise your awareness? If so, we encourage you to read our other posts and learn more valuable tips and tricks related to your family’s safety.