Argument Paper: How Therapy Helps Children Cope with Rape
Ke’Asia Hicks
Professor Robin
English 1102
11 March 2013
How Therapy help Children Cope with Rape It is every child’s right to be safe and feel protected. Children who are victimized through sexual abuse often begin to develop deeply held beliefs that shape their sense of self. They can sometimes feel confused and may often contemplate things such as: “My worth is my sexuality.” “I'm dirty and shameful.” “I have no right to my own physical boundaries.” These are just a few examples of the atrocious thoughts that run through the mind of a sexual abuse victim. It does not take long for children to begin to act in accordance with these belief systems. For children who have experienced sexual abuse or rape, the boundaries between love, sex, and pain become blurred. Secrets are normal, and shame is a constant. For parents, there are many things that can be done to prevent these beliefs and shameful thoughts. The notion of parents as representatives in child sexual abuse is a relatively neglected area of research. We want to protect all children in every way we know how, unfortunately that is almost impossible. The truth is, sexual abuse happens and it will never completely stop. The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a crime, a violation of mankind's most basic duty to protect the innocent. Sexual abuse involves forcing, tricking, bribing, threatening or pressuring a child into sexual awareness or activity. Sexual abuse often occurs when an older or more knowledgeable child or adult uses a child for sexual pleasure. The abuse often begins gradually and increases over time. Since most children seek approval from adults, they are very vulnerable to abuse. They will do what is asked of them without questioning. In fact, the use of physical force is rarely necessary to draw a child into sexual activity because children are so trusting and dependent. They want to please others and gain approval. Children are taught not to question authority
Professor Robin
English 1102
11 March 2013
How Therapy help Children Cope with Rape It is every child’s right to be safe and feel protected. Children who are victimized through sexual abuse often begin to develop deeply held beliefs that shape their sense of self. They can sometimes feel confused and may often contemplate things such as: “My worth is my sexuality.” “I'm dirty and shameful.” “I have no right to my own physical boundaries.” These are just a few examples of the atrocious thoughts that run through the mind of a sexual abuse victim. It does not take long for children to begin to act in accordance with these belief systems. For children who have experienced sexual abuse or rape, the boundaries between love, sex, and pain become blurred. Secrets are normal, and shame is a constant. For parents, there are many things that can be done to prevent these beliefs and shameful thoughts. The notion of parents as representatives in child sexual abuse is a relatively neglected area of research. We want to protect all children in every way we know how, unfortunately that is almost impossible. The truth is, sexual abuse happens and it will never completely stop. The sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a crime, a violation of mankind's most basic duty to protect the innocent. Sexual abuse involves forcing, tricking, bribing, threatening or pressuring a child into sexual awareness or activity. Sexual abuse often occurs when an older or more knowledgeable child or adult uses a child for sexual pleasure. The abuse often begins gradually and increases over time. Since most children seek approval from adults, they are very vulnerable to abuse. They will do what is asked of them without questioning. In fact, the use of physical force is rarely necessary to draw a child into sexual activity because children are so trusting and dependent. They want to please others and gain approval. Children are taught not to question authority
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