Sexual abuse is a rampant crime that is sadly only reported a fraction of the time. Many sexual abuse and assault victims suffer in silence due to fear, intimidation, physical or mental incapacitation, or being too young to understand what is happening. It is vital for loved ones to be aware of the behavioral signs that could point to sexual abuse –…
It is important to know that victims are never to blame for sexual assault. While it is common to wonder if you could have done something differently to prevent the crime, you are not to blame. With that being said, there are steps that institutions and your community can take to help prevent sexual abuse before it happens. Preventive measures can significantly…
Sexual abuse is one of the worst things imaginable to happen to a young and impressionable child. Studies have shown that sexual abuse does not only inflict short-term harm on a victim; it has lasting behavioral, emotional and psychological effects that can significantly impact child development and affect the victim for the rest of his or her life. Physical Effects Sexual abuse…
Living through sexual abuse or assault can have significant psychological repercussions for a survivor. One common outcome is post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, which can have both physical and emotional symptoms. PTSD from sexual trauma can last weeks, months or even years. Understanding PTSD can help you get the care that you need as a sexual abuse survivor. What Is Post-Traumatic Stress…
It is never too late to come forward and report sexual abuse that you experienced as a child. Non-recent child abuse, also referred to as historical abuse, can still be reported to various authorities if the survivor is an adult. Reporting child sexual abuse can include notifying the police, contacting support organizations, and calling a child sexual abuse attorney. Open Up to…
Children and teens are sexually abused at staggering rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 13 boys experience child sexual abuse in the United States. Many cases of child sexual abuse start with sexual grooming – a process in which a sexual predator targets and cultivates a relationship with…
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse have won a small victory in Kansas as lawmakers have agreed to lengthen the deadline for filing a civil lawsuit, known as the statute of limitations, from 3 years to 13 years. This change has been pushed for by survivors of childhood sexual assault in Kansas for many years. Find out what this new law means for…
Sexual abuse is a terrible crime that victimizes thousands of children in the U.S. According to Missouri Kids First, about 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before they turn 18. Doctors, coaches, teachers, friends of the family and even family members can all be guilty of sexually abusing a minor. While no child is immune to the possibility of sexual…
Incest is illegal in all 50 states, including Kansas. The reason behind laws that prohibit incest is that sexual relations between two people who are too closely genetically related to each other can result in birth defects and genetic disorders. In Kansas, incest is considered a criminal offense that is punishable with fines and imprisonment. If you or a loved one is…
An individual must be of a certain age to legally consent to sexual activity or intercourse in Missouri. Children who are younger than the age of consent are not viewed as having the capacity to give their consent or agree to sexual contact with another person. This means sexual activity with someone below the age of consent could result in prosecution for…
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