Abuse In Childhood
mood disorders, addictions, and other psychological problems (Hill et al., 2012). Moreover, it has been found that an anxious ambivalent personality, derivative of an abusive or neglectful childhood, can predict sexual addiction into adulthood. (Gunn et al., 2011). By looking at supporting literature, it is evident that sexual abuse in childhood is correlated to sexual addiction later in life, particularly in anxious attachment individuals. Sexual abuse, such as any type of abuse, can be objectively defined, but is subject to a variety of interpretations and definitions. For example, the American Psychological Association defines sexual abuse as “unwanted sexual activity, with perpetrators using force, making threats or taking advantage of
victims not able to give consent” (APA, 2016). However, there are many nuances within the definition of sexual abuse that can further complicate the issue. For the sake of this paper, I will adhere to the definition provided by the American Psychological Association. To further strain the topic, within the category of sexual abuse, there are various types of behavior that can be labeled as sexual abuse. For instance, some categories include sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual assault of men, all of which are behaviors that convey unsolicited sexual conduct onto another person. Other forms of sexual abuse are child sexual abuse and incest, which are sexual acts that happen between family members, with the exception of child sexual abuse, which can happen between non-family members as well. Child sexual abuse can refer to any unwarranted sexual conduct between a legal adult and a minor, who, by definition, is “unable to consent to any form of sexual activity.” (RAINN, 2009). However, “60% of children are sexually abused by someone in their social circle. Hence, the phrase “Stranger Danger” is misleading.” (Finkelhor, 2009). For the sake of this paper, our focus will be aimed at those who have been subject to incest at a time of
victims not able to give consent” (APA, 2016). However, there are many nuances within the definition of sexual abuse that can further complicate the issue. For the sake of this paper, I will adhere to the definition provided by the American Psychological Association. To further strain the topic, within the category of sexual abuse, there are various types of behavior that can be labeled as sexual abuse. For instance, some categories include sexual assault, sexual harassment, or sexual assault of men, all of which are behaviors that convey unsolicited sexual conduct onto another person. Other forms of sexual abuse are child sexual abuse and incest, which are sexual acts that happen between family members, with the exception of child sexual abuse, which can happen between non-family members as well. Child sexual abuse can refer to any unwarranted sexual conduct between a legal adult and a minor, who, by definition, is “unable to consent to any form of sexual activity.” (RAINN, 2009). However, “60% of children are sexually abused by someone in their social circle. Hence, the phrase “Stranger Danger” is misleading.” (Finkelhor, 2009). For the sake of this paper, our focus will be aimed at those who have been subject to incest at a time of