Childhood sexual exploitation is a heartbreaking reality that affects millions of children worldwide.
It’s a form of child abuse where a child or young person is coerced, manipulated, or deceived into sexual activity, often in exchange for something they need or want, like gifts, money, or affection.
Per statistics, one in five women and one in seven men report having been sexually abused as a child, highlighting the alarming prevalence of this issue. Children from vulnerable backgrounds, such as those with disrupted family lives or disabilities, are more susceptible to exploitation.
Abusers often use tactics like grooming, where they build trust with the child, making it difficult for them to recognize the abuse. They may use social media, online platforms, or in-person interactions to manipulate their victims. In some cases, abusers use violence, intimidation, or blackmail to control their victims.
In a conversation with Bright Appiah, Executive Director, Child Rights International on the afternoon show on October 8, he described sexual abuse as both emotional and physical attempts to assault a child sexually.
He stated that there are certain words fathers shouldn’t use on their female children; he classifies such words as abusive to the child. Dr. Bright also stated that it is advisable not to label children as wives.
In the Ghanaian landscape, many adults tend to label the young girls as their wives, which shouldn’t be so. This label exposes the girl to abuses which they’re not able to say because of the comfort level they come to live with, not realizing the abusive part of it.
He further advised that parents should develop good relationship with their children and also listen to them more often.
Nana Duah Nyamekye, social worker at Nyamedua Children’s Home said most abused children mostly do not open up based on the fear and depression they encounter after being abused.
According to Dr. Newman Arthur, who is a clinical psychologist, he says sexual abuse goes on to the extent of causing chronic anxiety in abused children. He also stated that in some cases of abuse, children tend to defiance and aggression which makes it worse .
On the healing process, Nana Duah Sekyi says making a child feel protected and safe helps the child in healing from sexual abuse.
“Making a child feel safe in an environment helps in the healing process”, he stated. In essence, education is key in the healing process. Counselling and therapeutic sessions also help kids to recover from abuse. Both Dr. Bright and Dr. Nyamedua advise that cases of childhood sexual abuse should be reported to law enforcement to help in the prevention.
Childhood Sexual Abuse can have severe, long-lasting effects on a child’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
Victims may struggle with trust, relationships, and self-esteem, and are more likely to experience mental health issues, substance abuse, and even suicidal thoughts. Childhood sexual abuse is a raging topic in ages and needs to be curbed.
BY: MARY OBENEY
