Some of the behaviors observed in sexually abused are actually sexual in nature. These include:
1. Confusion of sexual identity - this is different from gender identity. This confusion is more due to the abuse, for example a female child who was abused while her brother was not. She may believe that if she had not been female she would not have been abused. Some girls then try to act as if they are boys, or their idea of what would make them male and therefore safe. We had a girl who stood to urinate, wanted her hair cut short, and yet none of the measures she took helped her feel safe. We worked with her on feeling safe, not on changing "boy" behaviors.
2. Sexual acting out - this behavior of course increases the risk of the child being re-abused. We work with the children on evaluating their choices of clothing, language, method of making friends, choices of music and dance moves to music.
3. Right along with this is confusion of sex and affection - remembering that one of the 5 Needs is the need for love and belonging it is really clear that the only way to help is to teach the 5 Needs, include the 4 parts of behavior, and evaluate personal choices on a daily basis.
Again, you are welcome to attend the class which will be held at the office June 12th, 6:30-8:30.
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