Recommendations for the prevention of crimes against the sexual integrity of minors
Currently, there is a steady increase in illegal acts related to pedophilia and child pornography, as well as other sexual offenses against the sexual integrity and sexual freedom of minors, observed worldwide, including in the Republic of Belarus.
Protecting the sexual integrity of minors is a complex socio-legal issue. Its resolution is impossible without the combined efforts of educators, psychologists, law enforcement agencies, and parents.
Crimes against sexual integrity and sexual freedom include:
. rape (Article 166 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus (hereinafter referred to as the Criminal Code));
violent sexual acts (Article 167 of the Criminal Code);
sexual intercourse and other sexual acts with a person under the age of sixteen (Article 168 of the Criminal Code);
lewd acts (Article 169 of the Criminal Code);
coercion to sexual acts (Article 170 of the Criminal Code);
exploitation of prostitution or creation of conditions for prostitution (Article 171 of the Criminal Code), etc.
SIGNS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AGAINST MINORS
The consequences of sexual violence can manifest in various symptoms. Parents should pay attention to the child's behavior and appearance, which may indicate sexual abuse.
Physical symptoms of child sexual abuse include:
- damage to soft tissues of the chest, buttocks, legs, lower abdomen, thighs;
- complaints of pain and itching in the genital area, abdomen;
- pain experienced by the child when sitting and walking;
- torn, soiled, or bloody underwear or clothing;
Disorders arising after violence affect all levels of functioning. They lead to persistent personality changes that hinder personal fulfillment in the future.
Changes in a child's sexuality:
- sexually suggestive knowledge and excessive interest in sexual relations inappropriate for their age (sexual preoccupation);
- exhibitionism;
- unusual sexual activity towards peers:
- seductive behavior towards the opposite sex;
- unusual sexual activity towards adults:
Changes in emotional state and communication:
- constant excitement, hysterical symptoms:
- nervous breakdowns, hysterics;
- outbursts of aggression;
- depressive symptoms:
- withdrawal, lethargy, depression, isolation, introversion;
Appearance of neurotic and psychosomatic symptoms:
- obsessive fears, anxiety:
- fear of being left alone in a room with a specific person;
- fear of undressing (e.g., may categorically refuse to participate in physical education classes or remove underwear during a medical examination);
- unwillingness to be kissed or hugged,
- unwillingness to be touched by a specific person;
- sleep disturbances (fear of falling asleep, nightmares, insomnia);
- sudden weight loss due to appetite disorder or, conversely, obesity;
- tics, stuttering, enuresis (urinary incontinence), encopresis (fecal incontinence).
It is important to consider that a child may not be aware of the violence due to their age or other reasons. It is extremely important to understand that children do not have enough experience to foresee all the consequences of such actions for their mental or physical health.
HOW TO REACT IF A CHILD IS READY TO TALK ABOUT VIOLENCE/EXPLOITATION?
If a child is ready to talk about violence committed (being committed) against them, it is recommended to adhere to a specific behavioral model that minimizes the threat of their "withdrawal":
- avoiding reproaches, accusations, shaming;
- taking what is heard seriously;
- calmness, composure;
- reassurance, encouragement, praise;
- empathy;
- sincerity, honesty;
- using the child's vocabulary;
- accepting all information heard without exception; immediate and thorough verification of assumptions.