When most people hear about child sexual abuse, they assume the crime is being committed by an adult. However, it is also possible for children to commit sex crimes against other children. Child on child sexual abuse is no less serious a crime than adult on child sexual abuse. It should be taken extremely seriously by teachers and parents – and may potentially lead to a child sexual abuse claim in Kansas.
What Is Child on Child Sexual Abuse?
Child on child sexual abuse refers to a sex crime committed by a child or adolescent against another child – typically one that is younger than or the same age as the perpetrator. It can describe crimes such as child molestation, sexual touching, groping, penetration, sodomy or rape. It can occur between a boy and a girl, two boys, or two girls. Child on child sexual abuse can take place in a setting such as a school, after-school program, field trip, youth sports organization, church youth group, girl scout or boy scout troop, sleepaway camp, Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA, or a sleepover at a friend’s house.
Sexual abuse among two children is not the same as normative sexual play or a child’s natural anatomical curiosity. For example, touching another child inappropriately simply due to curiosity and the urge to explore the human body does not constitute abuse. Instead, sexual abuse describes deliberate acts that are done with the goal of sexual pleasure, gratification or stimulation of either party. It may also involve manipulation, tricks, threats or physical force. Note that an act is still sexual abuse even if a child gave his or her consent or did not comprehend the implications of the act. No child under the age of 16 in Kansas can consent to sexual activity.
Why Does Child on Child Sexual Abuse Happen?
There are many reasons why a child might sexually assault or molest another child. In many cases, the perpetrator is a victim of child sexual abuse himself or herself. The child may have been abused by an adult or another child in the past, or been exposed to sexually explicit material. This can lead to a cycle of sexually violent or inappropriate behaviors with other children. Child perpetrators may not know that what they are doing is wrong, or they may wish to victimize someone else to feel more in control of their own situation.
What Are the Red Flags of Child on Child Sexual Abuse?
A victim of child on child sexual abuse may not come forward about what is happening to him or her. The victim may be too scared or intimidated to say anything, not be able to comprehend what is happening, or be too young to talk. In any case, it is often up to the child’s parents to notice the red flags of child sexual abuse, which may include:
- Depression
- Chronic anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Sleep disorders
- Nightmares
- Bedwetting
- Regression
- Eating disorders
- Unkempt appearance
- Substance abuse
- Suicidal tendencies
Studies show that ages 12 to 14 are the peak for adolescents to sexually abuse other children due to changes brought on by puberty. You can make a difference by paying attention to the children in your life, noticing signs of something amiss, talking openly about sexual abuse and letting a potential victim know that you are a safe person to talk to.
What You Can Do About Child on Child Sexual Abuse
If you suspect child on child sexual abuse, take action immediately. Bring the victim to a safe place, such as a hospital for a physical evaluation. Explain to the child that he or she is not to blame and is not in trouble. Notify the police of the abuse, as well as administrators at the institution if the incident occurred at a school or organization.
Report abuse to child protective services, as well, if this is necessary to protect the child from abuse within his or her household. Then, take legal action with help from an experienced child sexual abuse attorney. Contact DRZ Law for a free and confidential case consultation with a lawyer. The child’s family may be eligible for financial compensation from an institution that failed to protect the victim.