CSA FAQ

To learn more about child sexual abuse, you can read Elaan's documents on the major sections of CSA. We've also provided more questions below just click on the question to get the answer.

The Basics: Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
Child Sexual Abuse Fact Sheet
Dealing with Disclosure (DWD) - How to respond to sexually abused child
Healing and Aftermath
Boys cry Too

• What is a child?
• What is child sexual abuse (CSA)?
• What is the difference between Child Sexual Abuse and Adult Sexual Abuse?
• What is Incest?
• How is incest different from CSA?
• What forms can CSA take?
• What are the key elements involved in a situation of CSA, if any?
• Can a potential CSA perpetrator be identified by any common denominator/characteristic(s)?
• Can a potential CSA victim be identified through any obvious characteristics?

What is a child?
A child as defined as any individual under the age of eighteen.

What is child sexual abuse (CSA)?
The exploitation of a child by an adult or more knowledgeable child for sexual gratification in any form is known as Child Sexual Abuse.

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What is the difference between Child Sexual Abuse and Adult Sexual Abuse?
The sexual abuse of an adult is different from that of a child in that in a case of ASA one adult is forcing another adult for the purposes of sexual gratification, whereas in a case of CSA a child is being used for the same purposes.

What is Incest?
The sexual abuse of an individual occurring in a situation where the perpetrator (abuser) is a member of the victim's family. In recent times, the definition has been expanded to include the sexual abuse of an individual by any person who is close to the victim or the victim's family/friends. This places the abuser in a position of trust and power which he/she then exploits for the purposes of sexual gratification.

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How is incest different from CSA?
In cases of CSA, the abuser does not necessarily have to be someone who is emotionally close to the victim or the victim's family/friends. Thus, all cases of incest are CSA but all cases of CSA are not necessarily incest.

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What forms can CSA take?
It is a misconception that all cases of CSA have to involve sexual intercourse. Even though the following list might appear too graphic, listing the specifications is important as it helps in the identification of Child Sexual Abuse.

These are the various forms which CSA can take (we have taken care to make this list as comprehensive as possible) –

1. Exhibitionism – displaying sexual organs to the child, a form of visual CSA
2. Voyeurism – watching the child in compromising positions
3. Kissing - in a way that makes the child feel uncomfortable
4. Touching of breasts/genitals. Fondling – touching the sexual organs of the child with sexual intent
5. Fellatio/Cunnilingus – performing oral sex on the child or making
6. the child perform oral sex on self
7. Vaginal/Anal Intercourse (penetration of any kind with any object)
8. Attempted vaginal/anal intercourse
9. Prostitution
10. The use of Pornography - introducing the child to pornography in an inappropriate way and/or using the child for pornographic purposes (images,video,etc.)
11. Verbal/sexual stimulation
12. Obscene calls/text messages/emails
13. Letting down the bars of privacy so that the child watches or hears sexual acts being performed.
This last (no. 13) is a subject of much debate, however, it is agreed that the child should be protected from harmful sexual knowledge. A healthy introduction in the form of sexual education is however, highly encouraged.

Various nations have different laws against CSA, and it is devastating that some definitions of CSA by the law are extremely narrow. In India, for instance, rape laws only include blatant penetration of the vagina/anus by a penis, thus reducing sexual abuse to a very narrow category. This is one of the major reasons why the law proves ineffective when it comes to tackling the phenomenon of CSA in this nation. Elaan's Signature aims to tackle exactly that -- to establish an effective law against CSA.

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What are the key elements involved in a situation of CSA, if any?
Age of consent and lack of consent are two major factors involved in defining CSA. These two key factors constitute that, which is the key reason for the perpetration of CSA.

Vulnerability of the child, both emotional and economical.

The accommodation syndrome is another major concept when it comes to the understanding of CSA. Key elements include:

Grooming – Establishing a relationship with and preparing the child for molestation by gaining the child's trust.
Lack of consent – It is important to know that when the child is a minor, even if consent is given for a sexual act, it has no value. The act is still a case of CSA.
Ambivalence – The child's behavioral pattern gets adjusted to abusive behaviour.
Exploitation – Not only the body, but the self esteem and trust of the victim are also exploited.
Force – This need not always be the use of physical violence – it also includes emotional blackmail.
Intent – The intent to obtain sexual gratification for the child must be present in the mind of the abuser.

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Can a potential CSA perpetrator be identified by any common denominator/characteristic(s)?
No. Anybody can be an abuser, and anyone can be a victim. The stereotype of the abuser being capable of identification through any common characteristics is a myth that needs to be banished quickly. Anyone, of any gender and almost any age can be an abuser. This ambivalence of the abuser's profile is the main reason for the inability to prevent the occurence of the the abuse by the mere recognition of the perpetrator.

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Can a potential CSA victim be identified through any obvious characteristics?
The aftermath of CSA in a victim is evident through some signs. However, these very signs can also be the result of other forms of abuse in the immediate or surrounding environment of the victim in question. Therefore even though it is difficult to pinpoint the visible "outcomes" of CSA,there are some telltale symptoms, the source of which should be investigated by the guardians of the victim, in question.

Some of these characteristics are:

• Voluntary isolation from peers
• Withdrawal and reluctance to interact socially and emotionally
• Self esteem and self confidence issues
• Promiscuity/repulsion towards any form of sexual activity
• Substance abuse
• Self mutilation
• Inability to trust and confide in others
• Lack of belief in self (potential, capabilities, etc.)
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