CSAAM 2012 Tweets | April 19 | CSA Awareness Month

CSAAM 2012 Tweets | April 19

April 19, 2012

Invisible Scars – Message from Tulir http://wp.me/p1pP52-fs
The topic for today’s CSA tweets is why are some children soft targets, what makes some children more vulnerable to abuse. #CSAAM
Some children are more vulnerable to being CSA targets because of various factors. #CSAAM
The following information has been sourced from http://bit.ly/J5FdDm: Predatory behavior begins by identifying ‘soft targets’.
Predators will often target remarkably mundane or common things for clues of vulnerability: Condition of clothing like socks, or mismatched
Clothing inappropriate for weather, or equipment not in sync with what other kids have. #softtargets #CSAAM
Predators look for clues as to a child’s vulnerability even from hair, nails, cleanliness. A child who seems neglected will crave affection.
Children with cognitive delays or disabilities are abused sexually (and physically) at alarming rates-they are vulnerable soft targets.
A child who is not forewarned about the dangers of abuse is a soft target for a pedophile. You can do it in an age appropriate way.
Teaching a child to follow his/ her instincts and say a firm “No” to an abuser, could prove to be very effective. #CSAAM
Street children, children in homes, foster care, are soft targets for abusers, they are starved of affection, and have no authority figure..
Write for @CSAawareness Your words can make a difference. Spread awareness. Spread the word among your peers. Visit @ http://adda.at/CSAmnth
Children who are starved for affection will be easily groomed. Grooming is the process by which an abuser gains a victim’s trust.
Child sex abusers fear being caught. They are less likely to target a child who has parents actively interested in their child’s welfare.
Children should be taught that not all adults are to be trusted, that children have the right to question what adults do with them.
Some abusers have observed that they can intuitively pick out the vulnerable child. #CSAAM
Children may be more vulnerable to CSA because of emotional insecurity, high levels of trust, poor self-esteem, and emotional deprivation.
Sex offenders often target children who seem less likely to tell, such as those wt emotional, developmental, or physical challenges
Children are at risk if they have been brought up to blindly obey adults, to not refuse adults no matter what. #CSAAM
CSA in News – 19th April http://wp.me/p1pP52-n3
A child who is socially isolated, for whatever reason, might also be vulnerable to CSA. Abusers groom a needy child then abuse him or her.
Children from dysfunctional and abusive families are most vulnerable, because they seek affection. #CSAAM
A video – Speak Up ! It’s not your fault – (part 2) http://wp.me/p1pP52-lj
A child is especially susceptible if he or she feels unloved, has low self-esteem, regularly spends time unsupervised.
Sex offenders commonly engage children by spending time with them, playing games, showing them special attention or giving them gifts.
Offenders forge an emotional bond through frequent contact, positive interactions and by telling the child that they “understand” them.
The emotional bond leads to non-sexual physical contact like physical play such as wrestling, affectionate touching, giving back-rubs etc.
In this way the offender tests the child’s boundaries and gradually desensitizes the child to overt sexual touch.
Sweden: Woman, 19, convicted of sexually exploiting 13-year-old boy after falsely claiming boy raped her – http://bit.ly/HP44HP
The following tweets have been sourced from http://www.stopitnow.org. #CSAAM
Risk factors in a child’s environment or household : Settings where secrecy is frequently permitted or encouraged
Significant stress in family (death, current divorce, or job loss)
CSA Awareness Month by Shemeer http://wp.me/p1pP52-mv
The Wall by Shobha http://wp.me/p1pP52-mk
Children being viewed or talked about in adult sexual terms. Domestic violence in the home. #CSAAM
Settings where there is little or no physical, emotional or sexual privacy. #CSAAM
Witnessing situations where sex is exchanged for money, drugs, privileges or protection. #CSAAM
Risk factors in a child’s relationships: Weak or absent ongoing connection to a trusted safe adult
Child sees him/herself as not deserving protection or respect, Child feels emotionally isolated or neglected. #CSAAM
Little or no accurate information available about what constitutes healthy touching or safe sexual feelings/behaviors. #CSAAM
Child is expected to fill the emotional or intimate needs of adults, Child is a victim of physical or emotional abuse. #CSAAM