Sexual Abuse

What is child sexual abuse?

Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity with a child, or any act that uses a child for the sexual gratification of another person. A child cannot consent to sexual activity. Abuse may be committed by strangers, but it is most often committed by someone the child knows and trusts.

Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual comments, gestures, requests or touching that make a child feel afraid, ashamed or unsafe.

Physical and non-physical forms

Physical forms include touching a child's private parts, making a child touch someone else, and any form of sexual intercourse with a child.

Non-physical forms include:

• Showing a child sexual images or videos
• Talking to a child in sexual ways or asking sexual questions
• Taking or sharing sexual photographs of a child
• Exposing oneself to a child
• Encouraging a child to watch or take part in sexual acts

How abuse affects children

Sexual abuse can cause fear, anxiety, depression, shame and difficulty trusting others. It can affect sleep, concentration and school performance, and may cause physical injuries, infections or pregnancy. The effects can last into adulthood without care and support.

What trusted adults can do

• Listen and believe. If a child tells you, stay calm, thank them for telling you and reassure them that it is not their fault.
• Do not confront the suspected abuser yourself in a way that could put the child at further risk.
• Report to the Department of Social Welfare, the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, or the nearest police station.
• Seek medical care for the child as soon as possible.

What communities can do

Teach children the correct names for their body parts and that their body belongs to them. Make it normal to talk about safe and unsafe touch. Never pressure families to "settle" abuse privately — every child deserves justice and protection.