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Full
Member,
National Children's Alliance |
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Full
Member,
Children's Advocacy Centers of GA |
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WHAT IS SEXUAL ABUSE? |
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Sexual abuse occurs when an older person forces, coerces, or tricks a
child into sexual contact or acts intended for the sexual gratification of the
older person. Sexual abuse may involve: |
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Touching the child's private parts or making the
child touch the offender |
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Oral/genital contact |
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Vaginal or anal penetration with a penis, finger
or object |
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Coerced sexual acts between children |
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Making children view or participate in pornography |
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Indecent exposure or "flashing" |
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Children's responses to sexual abuse will depend upon their
age, extent and duration of the abuse, force or violence used, and the nature of their
relationship with the offender. BUT: the single most important factor
affecting the child's recovery is the level of support received from the parents
and other family members. Parents should believe, support, and protect the
child, and let the child know that s/he is not to blame for the abuse.
Suspected abuse should be reported to Child Protective Services (651-2110 in
Chatham County) and/or law enforcement. Even if the molester is young, his/her
offense needs to be reported to authorities, in order that s/he can receive
help, as well as consequences. If the offense is referred for prosecution,
Victim Witness Assistance advocates (Superior Court: 652-7329, Juvenile Court:
652-6735) provide help, support, and information to child victims, witnesses and
non-offending family members.
Call the advocacy center at (912)
236-1401 if you have questions, need someone to talk to, or to schedule a
speaker for your class or community group. |
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Support The Savannah CCAC |
Help contribute to Savannah's CCAC by sending
donations to the address above, or email us at
Donations@CCAC-
Savannah.org
for more information. |
If you suspect that a child
is being abused, report your suspicions to
Lifeline for Children:
(912) 651-2110
or to the
Savannah Police Department:
(912) 232-4141. |
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