Child Sexual Abuse

Dynamics of Child Sexual Abuse

The following information is from the Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence:

Engagement phase – Perpetrator interacts with the child to know their routing and how to manipulate the child into not telling. There is no time limit to this phase and it is PLANNED, PREMEDITATED, and PREDICTABLE.

Sexual Interaction phase – Often the engagement and sexual interaction phases are simultaneous, but very low key. The perpetrator may be “accidentally” touching the child to see reactions and if the child tells anyone.

Secrecy phase – Can last for years and is usually based on bribes or threats.

Disclosure phase – When the information is finally revealed it is either accidental (No one is prepared for the child to disclose this information. Clues may be appearing in the child’s behavior, STD, pregnancy, or physical injury.) or purposeful (Child becomes aware the interaction is wrong or uncomfortable. Unfortunately, their credibility is often questioned.)

Suppression – Results in either the child being told to retract their statement or the child becomes afraid. Unfortunately, once a child suppresses, he/she may lost all credibility.