The problematic...
Sexual abuse is conduct of a sexual nature, with or without physical contact, committed by an individual without the consent of the person who is the object, or in some cases, especially where children are concerned, through the use of emotional manipulation or blackmail. It is conduct whose intent is to subject another person to one's own desires through an abuse of power, force or constraint, or implicit or explicit threat. Sexual abuse is an attack on a person's basic rights, in particular physical and psychological integrity and personal security. (Source : “Orientations gouvernementales en matière d’agression sexuelle, gouvernement du Québec”.)
Some figures
- 14% of Quebec adults have been sexually abused before the age of 18.
- 25% of Quebec adults assert knowing one or more persons sexually abused in childhood.
- 18% of females and 10% of males are victims of sexual abuse.
- Consequences on young sexual abuse victims are heavy and may act on many levels: psychological, behavioural, scholastic, relational and physical.
Consequences on young sexual abuse victims are heavy and may act on many levels: psychological, behavioural, scholastic, relational and physical.
However,
- Fewer than 36% of organizations can offer direct aid services to children under 12.
- 87% of abuse workers have identified needs for development in aid service practices.
