Citation

ReproWatch - Youth Ed. 1999; 4(2): 1-2.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Institute for Social Studies and Action)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12295009

Abstract

In the Philippines, reported incidences of child sexual abuse have increased by more than 1000% in 7 years, leading experts to fear that as many as a third of all children will experience sexual abuse by age 18. Most reported cases involve fathers who abused daughters (71%), followed by uncles who abused nieces (13%) and grandfathers who abused granddaughters (6%). Fathers are at risk of abusing their daughters if they were themselves victimized by incest, if they are sexually insecure, if they are unable to maintain an intimate relationship with an adult, or if they abuse drugs or alcohol. In some cases, eldest daughters allow themselves to be raped to protect younger sisters or to keep their fathers from leaving their mothers for another woman. The peak age for incest to be initiated is when the victim is 9-12 years old. For their own protection, children must be taught to discriminate between sexual abuse and affection. Many parents, however, are uncomfortable discussing sexual abuse with their children or avoid the topic to protect their innocence. Very young children must be taught that they can speak up and ask for help, and it must be recognized that abuse can occur in any household, regardless of income level.

Language: en