Common Myths about Childhood Sexual Abuse
Children who are sexually abused at a young age often feel like they lost their entire childhood. Instead, they were forced to endure a lifetime of mental pain and suffering. Far too often, this type of mental anguish is simply too much for children to bear.
Most people do not think about sexual abuse unless they are victims or a victim is someone they know. No matter what, you never want to ignore this issue if it happens to a child in your life. Regrettably, there are three common myths that are leading to people not noticing when children are being harmed. It is important that you know these myths and understand the truth.
Only Strangers Abuse Children
One of our biggest concerns as parents is allowing our children around strangers. The belief of “stranger danger” is embedded into most of us at a young age. However, the majority of sexual abuse perpetrators are actually someone the victim knows. In fact, studies have found that near 90% of victims actually knew their abuser. Some of the most common people who are reported include teachers, school officials, coaches, babysitters, priests, and even relatives.
Only Adults Commit Sexual Offenses toward Children
This is completely false. There is a significant number of children who are sexually abused by teens and other children their age. Teenagers forcing other teens into sexual situations or even older children molesting young children are situations that take place far too often.
Children Lie about Sexual Abuse to Gain Attention
This is completely opposite from the truth. Children do not generally come forward about being abused because they often believe that they will get in trouble. Children are often too terrified to tell parents and other people what happened to them. Whether it is shame, guilt, or another feeling, the majority of sexual abuse instances are not reported. If a child comes to you and tells you that they were abused, it is important that you take steps to help them. After all, they are telling you because you are someone they trust.
Attorney Carmen Durso Can Help You
If your child has come forward about being sexually abused, or you discovered that your child was being sexually abused, it is important that you notify law enforcement. Not only will this help to prevent your child or another child from being abused, but it will begin the process of holding the perpetrator to account for their actions.
In addition to pursuing criminal action against the perpetrator, you can reach out to our Massachusetts sexual abuse attorney at the Law Office of Carmen L. Durso to explore legal options available for your family in civil court.
Our sex abuse lawyers in Massachusetts can help your family get justice and obtain the compensation that can be used for mental health treatment and other economic and non-economic damages you face moving forward. Contact our Boston sex abuse law firm today at 617-728-9123 to get help with your case. Our lawyer is available to meet with you at your earliest convenience to help you protect your legal rights.