Education · Information · Resources
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential help, contact One Place of the Shoals.
We Will Cover These Below:
Child Sexual Abuse
Adults Molested as Children (Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse)
Marital Rape / Rape in Marriage
Sexual Abuse of People with Disabilities
Sexual Abuse of Seniors
Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
Child Sexual Abuse
What it is
The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect defines sexual abuse as any contact between a child and an adult when the child is used for the adult’s sexual stimulation. Abuse can be subtle; a child may not realize it is happening.
Examples include:
Sexual touching or fondling
Exposing a child to pornography, adult sexual activity, or genitalia (in a sexual context)
Having a child pose, undress, or perform sexually
“Peeping” into bedrooms or bathrooms
Oral sex, intercourse, or attempts to engage in these acts
Why it’s often hidden
Most incidents are never reported. Children may fear they won’t be believed, be told to keep it secret, be threatened, or feel guilty if they were manipulated or bribed.
Who most often offends
Children are most at risk from people they know—relatives, family friends, neighbors. 93% of juvenile sexual assault survivors know the offender. Offenders rarely need force; they exploit trust.
Signs & Symptoms
There are often no obvious physical signs. Possible indicators include:
Low self-esteem, worthlessness, withdrawal, mistrust of adults, suicidal thoughts
Unusual interest in—or fear of—sexual topics
Drawings/stories with strong or bizarre sexual themes
Seductive behavior toward adults or other children
Detailed, age-inappropriate knowledge of sexual behavior
Sleep changes, nightmares
Eating changes (overeating/loss of appetite)
Regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
Aggression or anger; secretiveness
Refusal to attend school; running away
Data point: A 2003 study (A Health Survey of Texans: A Focus on Sexual Assault) reported that 4% of males and 16% of females under 17 had been sexually assaulted.
Risk Reduction Tips (Teach & Talk)
Gifts, candy, money, or bribes
“Help me find my lost dog” appeals
Offers of rides (motorcycles, trail bikes, sports cars)
“Your parents were hurt—let me take you to the hospital”
“Your parents sent me to pick you up”
Offers to fix bikes or similar “help”
Body safety basics for parents to teach:
Their body belongs to them; they can say “no” to any touch.
Even trusted people may touch in a way that feels wrong; saying “no” is still okay.
They can always tell you anything; you won’t be angry—even if a rule was broken.
Do not teach blind obedience. It is okay to refuse an adult who asks something wrong.
Private parts are the areas covered by a bathing suit.
Use correct names for body parts; reduce shame in talking about them.
No secrets from parents; avoid “secret-keeping” in the family.
Don’t share “my parents aren’t home” on the phone.
Tell them in advance who will pick them up.
Don’t let children go alone to public places (parks, pools, etc.).
Know your babysitter; be wary of loners with no references.
Encourage prevention programs in schools.
If Your Child Discloses Sexual Abuse
Stay calm; avoid judgmental comments; invite them to share freely.
Praise them for telling.
Affirm it is not their fault.
Ask if anything hurts.
Don’t display intense anger in front of them.
Show appropriate affection and support.
Notify police—do not take matters into your own hands.
Seek help coping with the incident.
Contact One Place or your local child abuse/rape crisis center for support.
With love and professional help, most children can heal and thrive.
Adults Molested as Children
(Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse)
A sexual assault violates personal boundaries and can leave lifelong impacts—especially when it occurs during childhood development. Issues around trust, self-esteem, and forgiveness can run deep into adulthood. Abuse by a trusted person can create profound betrayal, powerlessness, and shame; some memories may surface later as triggers emerge.
Common Challenges Survivors May Face
Limits & Boundaries
You are no longer powerless. You have the right to control your body and choose your partners.
Memories & Flashbacks
Flashbacks can bring back sights, sensations, and emotions. Remind yourself: These are memories. I am safe now. Over time, empowerment reduces their intensity.
Grieving & Mourning
Losses can include innocence, carefree childhood, security, trust, nurturing, and choice. Naming and grieving these losses helps healing.
Anger
Acknowledging anger—at the perpetrator or adults who failed to protect you—is part of healing. Unexpressed anger can fuel depression.
Guilt, Shame, Blame
Children are never responsible for abuse. Bodily responses to stimulation do not equal consent or desire. Responsibility lies solely with the abuser.
Trust & Intimacy
Trust is earned. As an adult, you can choose who to let close—and revoke trust if it’s violated. Intimacy (requiring mutual trust, respect, and sharing) may be difficult; counseling can help.
Sexuality
Painful triggers can affect sexual relationships. You control your participation; communicate needs and boundaries. Sexuality itself is not shameful; it can be a healthy expression of intimacy between consenting adults with equal power.
Moving Forward
Forgiveness is not required for healing. Avoid becoming consumed by bitterness; focus on reclaiming your life. Professional counseling can help. Above all, forgive yourself—what happened was not your fault.
Marital Rape / Rape in Marriage
The Law
It is illegal in all 50 states for a husband to rape his wife. Marital rape exemptions in Texas were removed on September 1, 1994. Victims can file charges like any other sexual assault case; interviews and exams follow standard procedures. While prosecutions do occur, only a small percentage reach trial; some survivors seek civil remedies for damages.
Why it is especially damaging
Betrayal by a spouse or intimate partner can heighten fear, self-doubt, and ongoing risk of repeated assaults. Survivors of marital rape often face higher rates of repeated victimization and reduced social support due to harmful myths.
What counts as marital rape
Non-consensual sexual acts between spouses, ex-spouses, or long-term partners—including intercourse, anal/oral sex, forced sexual activity with others, and other unwanted, painful, or humiliating acts—especially when force, threats, or intimidation are used.
Types
Force-Only Rape: Minimal force used to coerce; battering may not be present.
Battering Rape: Sexual assault accompanied by physical battering (before/during/after).
Obsessive Rape: Torture or extreme/perverse acts enforced with force.
Myths & Facts
Myth: It’s less serious than stranger rape.
Fact: It is just as violent and often more traumatic; entitlement and control are common drivers.Myth: Prior consensual sex makes “one more time” insignificant.
Fact: Repeated assaults destroy trust and intimacy; survivors report high anger and depression.Myth: Marriage equals blanket sexual consent.
Fact: Marriage is not consent to violence; everyone retains bodily autonomy.Myth: False charges will explode in divorce disputes.
Fact: The justice system screens allegations; many less public avenues exist for retaliation—this myth is unfounded.Myth: It’s just one spouse’s word against the other, so why criminalize it?
Fact: Difficulty in prosecution never determines criminality (e.g., treason, child abuse). It should be prosecuted.
Sexual Abuse of People with Disabilities
Personal Rights
All people—regardless of race, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, or disability—have the right to:
Personal safety, privacy, and respectful relationships
Information about sexuality and safe, healthy relationships of their choosing
A life free from violence and abuse; the right to say “no”
Confidential support from sexual assault services
Freedom from guilt or shame: responsibility rests with the perpetrator
Choice about reporting to police, exams, or charges—without pressure
What is sexual abuse?
Any sexual activity forced on someone—including violating privacy, coerced pornography viewing, unwanted touching of breasts/genitals/buttocks, forced oral sex or intercourse. Dependency or fear may pressure submission; it is never the victim’s fault. Perpetrators can be strangers, acquaintances, family, or caregivers. Access to care must never be contingent on sexual contact.
Environment Factors That Can Increase Risk
Lack of privacy/dignity
Expectation of total compliance
High client-to-staff ratios (reduced supervision/disclosure opportunities)
Negative/indifferent staff attitudes
Grouping sexually aggressive with vulnerable individuals
If Your Loved One Was Assaulted
Ensure immediate safety.
Empower them to make decisions—restore control.
If injured, call 911 or go to the ER.
Invite a trusted support person.
Forensic exam (if desired): avoid showering, bathing, toileting, eating/drinking, or changing clothes beforehand. If urination is unavoidable and drugging suspected, collect first urine in a clean, lidded container to bring to the ER/police.
Counseling: One Place can assist.
Remember: It is never their fault.
Impact & Symptoms
Appetite changes; rapid weight loss/gain
Anger, overwhelm, numbness, withdrawal, frequent crying
Nightmares, restlessness, sleep changes
Mood swings, outbursts; difficulty concentrating
Suicidal thoughts/behaviors; depression; anxiety; PTSD
Everyone responds differently. Services at One Place can help with healing and safety.
Sexual Abuse of Seniors
Why seniors are targeted
Predators often select perceived “easy targets”: physical frailty, dependence on others (transport, cleaning, health care), predictable routines, living alone or in facilities, and dementia/cognitive decline can raise risk. Sexual abuse is about power and control, not desire, and can happen inside or outside the home—most commonly in the senior’s own home.
Types of abuse
Domestic Abuse: By a spouse/child/friend living with the elder.
Institutional Abuse: In a care facility or group home by paid staff.
Shame, dependence, fear of retaliation, not wanting to “burden” family, or discomfort discussing sexual topics can suppress reporting. Community vigilance is crucial.
Possible Indicators
Physical:
Unexplained STIs/genital infections; vaginal/anal bleeding
Genital injuries; torn/stained/bloody underclothing
Difficulty sitting/walking; bruises/restraint marks; weight loss
Perpetrator/Setting Behaviors:
Keeping the senior overmedicated
Preventing private visits; delaying/refusing visitors
Emotional/Behavioral:
Fear of being alone with caregivers; agitation/anger
Sudden behavior changes; confusion; depression
Dementia-like behaviors (rocking, biting, sucking)
How to Help
Offer non-judgmental emotional support
Provide protection from the abuser
Ensure medical care
Pursue legal remedies if the victim desires
Help restore control and personal power
Safety Advice for Seniors
Avoid isolation—stay connected (friends, faith communities, visiting nurses, day programs)
Speak up early if something feels wrong; ask for help immediately
Screen access to your home—even family must respect boundaries
General precautions:
Don’t share personal info by phone
Don’t advertise living alone; vary routines
Regular check-ins with trusted people
Keep doors/windows locked; don’t open to unknown visitors
Avoid walking alone at night; project confidence
Make noise/seek help if threatened
Getting Help
Confidential help is available; you don’t have to suffer alone.
Medical care is essential; call police and One Place for assistance with exams/evidence collection (not billed to you personally).
You may be eligible for Crime Victims’ Compensation for medical and other expenses.
Male Survivors of Sexual Assault
Can men be sexually assaulted?
Yes. Sexual assault can happen to anyone. Thousands of men are assaulted each year—across every background. Perpetrators can be strangers, family, or trusted acquaintances. Despite under-reporting, the U.S. Department of Justice documents 13,000+ male rape cases annually.
What to Do If You Were Assaulted
Get to a safe place.
Tell someone supportive. Call a trusted friend/family member or 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for 24/7 confidential help; One Place can also assist.
Seek medical care to check for injuries/STIs. A sexual assault exam can be done even if you don’t report to police now.
Preserve evidence if you might have an exam: avoid showering, bathing, eating/drinking, brushing teeth, or changing clothes; if drugging suspected, avoid urinating (or save first urine in a clean container).
Consider reporting to police now or later. Evidence can be stored for at least two years.
Typical Reactions
Involuntary erections/ejaculation or anal muscle relaxation can occur during assault due to physiological responses—not consent. Men often feel guilt, powerlessness, shock, anger, fear, disappointment, denial, and intense safety concerns.
Male-specific concerns may include:
Questions about sexuality/masculinity
Discomfort with medical procedures
Barriers to reporting/telling others
Difficulty finding male-inclusive resources
Facts About Men & Rape
Most male survivors are assaulted by men (women can be perpetrators too).
The vast majority of men who rape other men identify as heterosexual.
Men—gay or straight—can be raped anywhere (not only prisons).
Men are less likely to report.
Sexual Assault & STDs
STDs (including HIV) can be transmitted during assault; symptoms may appear months later. Any exchange of bodily fluids with an HIV-positive person carries risk. Consult a physician promptly for testing and treatment options.
What We Can Do (Community)
Acknowledge that men and boys are sexually assaulted.
Challenge myths and harmful stereotypes about masculinity and sexuality.
Support male survivors’ choices about next steps.
Ensure resources are inclusive and accessible.
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