Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs

Children & Teens

Children and adolescents who survive sexual violence have many of the same reactions as adults. However, they are more likely to express their feelings and thoughts through aggressive or destructive behavior towards themselves, peers, and other adults. While children and adolescents may appear to have more behavioral responses, this does not mean they are not also experiencing emotional or cognitive reactions. It is imperative that children who are acting aggressively or who demonstrate sexualized behaviors be recognized as survivors and given support and encouragement to express such feelings in a safe environment. Responding to these negative behaviors with punitive punishment or “tough love” is not always productive if the behavior is related to coping with trauma. Appropriate discipline and reprimands should be given, but it is also imperative that support and acceptance be conveyed so that feelings of stigma, powerlessness, and worthlessness do not worsen. In general, it is beneficial for children and adolescent survivors of sexual assault to participate in individual therapy with experienced clinicians, who may be available through a Rape Crisis Center

Any sexual contact or interaction between a child and an adult is abusive by definition. This includes any time an adult uses, allows, permits, or encourages the use of a child for sexual stimulation. Sexual abuse may include a wide range of behavior including but not limited to:

• Exposure to pornography
• Genital exposure
• Intimate touching, fondling, or penetration
• Masturbation or child or adult
• Sexual Exploitation, i.e. acts related to pornography and prostitution

Possible signs of abuse might include:

• Fear of certain people, places, or rooms (i.e. bathrooms) or nightmares
• Regressing in behavior to that of an earlier age – return to bedwetting or fear of dark
• Clinging to a parent
• Inappropriate knowledge of sexual behavior or language
• Cruelty to animals or smaller children
• Fire setting
• Significant and sudden change of appearance and/or habits

Parents should note that any one of these signs may be caused by something other than abuse. However, an ongoing pattern of behavior or such behavior combined with physical symptoms such as redness/swelling/itching, etc. should be cause for concern and further investigation.

In working specifically with adolescents:

In Kentucky, no one under the age of 16 can legally consent to sexual contact. However, it is worth noting that consensual sexual activity between two adolescents is very different than forced activity or activity between an adult and a younger person.

Minors do not need parental permission to obtain a Sexual Assault Forensic-Medical Examinations (SAFE Exams). Also, minors can choose not to have an exam even if a parent has requested one be completed.

If you are a teen or young adult who feels you might be a victim of assault or abuse, you can contact your local rape crisis center for support.

Reporting child abuse and neglect:

Kentucky law requires that child abuse and neglect be reported. Pursuant to KRS 620, reports can be made to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS) Statewide Abuse Reporting Hotline at 1-800-752-6200, local or state law enforcement authorities, or a county or Commonwealth’s Attorney. To comply with this mandate, any abuse involving a parent, guardian, or person in a position of control or supervision must be reported. HIPAA permits compliance.

Resources:

All of Kentucky’s rape crisis centersprovide services to any victim of sexual assault or abuse regardless of the victim’s age. Also, Kentucky Children’s Advocacy Centers provide services and support any victim of sexual assault who is under the age of 18 and for non-offending family members. More information can be found at www.kacac.org

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