According to Ilma Skuodienė, director of the State Child Rights Protection and Adoption Service, sexual violence remains one of the most difficult forms of violence against children to recognize. And the rapidly ingraining digital space in people’s daily lives becomes another place where a child can suffer. Therefore, society’s ability to identify sexual violence is more necessary than ever.
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“Unfortunately, we must admit that people’s knowledge is still insufficient to notice every child who needs help. Yet it is precisely our knowledge, ability to recognize, timely reaction, and empathy that can stop the pain a child experiences, and in some cases – prevent possible harm,” says I. Skuodienė.
What is sexual violence against a child?
Sexual violence against a child is a very broad concept, usually understood as satisfying a person’s sexual needs, regardless of their age and gender, involving a child. This can be contact violence – penetration, touching the child’s body, encouraging the child to touch another person, as well as non-contact – arousing early interest in sexual relations, showing sexual content to the child, consciously displaying a naked body or sexual acts to the child, etc.
“Cases are increasing where children suffer from sexual violence online as well. Unscrupulous people pretend to be peers of children to establish live contact or obtain sexual content created by the child, such as photos or videos. Children are gradually accustomed to photographing or filming themselves, and later are often blackmailed for this, demanding more such material, threatening that otherwise their created images will be made public. This causes strong feelings of shame and guilt, so the child may not dare to speak to relatives and remain alone to endure pain, strongly affecting their mental and emotional states,” says A. Marčiukaitienė, head of the Specialized Assistance for Children and Families Department.
Cases are increasing where children suffer from sexual violence online as well. Unscrupulous people pretend to be peers of children to establish live contact or obtain sexual content created by the child, such as photos or videos.
How to recognize and help a child possibly affected by sexual violence?
According to child rights defender and psychologist V. Paliaukienė, there is no single sign that can firmly indicate that a child is experiencing sexual violence. However, children often show their suffering through their behavior or changed emotional state.
“Changes in a child’s behavior or condition can be very subtle – avoiding certain places, for example, school, visiting somewhere, or suddenly becoming withdrawn. Sometimes the change can be very obvious, when the child shows great interest in sexual topics, expresses a desire to play sexual games, or begins to be violent themselves. These are very serious signals that we must pay attention to – inquire about the child and try to understand what is happening to them,” says V. Paliaukienė.
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Sometimes the change can be very obvious, when the child shows great interest in sexual topics, expresses a desire to play sexual games, or begins to be violent themselves.
Child rights defenders remind that adult care, attention, and trust are especially important for a child possibly affected by sexual violence.
“There are situations when a child hears ‘you imagine, that couldn’t have happened,’ and this is one of the worst things they can hear. These words can cause the child not to tell about their experience anymore and remain to endure it alone. So, to help a child, we must remember a very important phrase – ‘I believe you,'” says A. Marčiukaitienė.
Assistance provided by child rights defenders
In the Specialized Assistance for Children and Families departments in Vilnius and Klaipėda, all actions necessary for the criminal process can be performed under one roof, in a child-friendly and safe environment, and ongoing psychological and psychotherapeutic assistance is provided. Child rights defenders note that news about a child’s possible experience of sexual violence can shock, cause pain, fear, and guilt, so professional help is important not only for the child but also for their relatives.
Child rights defenders encourage society to remain empathetic and, upon noticing even the slightest signs of concern in a child’s behavior, to dare to report possible sexual violence to child rights defenders or the police. Timely noticed threat and provided help can protect the child from severe and long-term consequences.
If you have questions, the service invites you to watch Child Rights TV or consult with child rights defenders by calling the toll-free number 0 800 10 800; you can also send a message in the chat box on the website vaikoteises.lrv.lt. Reports of child rights violations can be made at the nearest child rights protection department, by filling out a form on the Child Rights Defenders’ website, or by calling the Emergency Services number 112.
