Sunday Women Matters with Blondie - Child sexual assault; A hidden crime?

Sexual assault on children can be referred to as the hidden crime. Hidden because many children, out of fear or shame, are reluctant to tell of their experiences. Hidden because many parents, for their own reasons, fail to report instances of child sexual assault to the proper authorities. Hidden because the damage is often not evident although the psychological scars may remain for a lifetime. The sexual abuse of children seems to be the last frontier in the public discussion on sexual matters. We quite naturally turn from it with a sense of revulsion. The subject is painful.

Most of the time children are taught about the dangers of crossing the street, risks of poisonous substances and the hazards of playing with matches and razorblades. Children can similarly be taught some basic lessons that will help them deal with attempted sexual abuse.