Care Cottage
Kentucky River Children's Advocacy Center
What is child abuse?​
​Child abuse is an action, or lack of action in the case of neglect, that creates a risk of physical and/or emotional harm for the child. Sexual abuse can include manipulation and threatening of the victim, by the abuser, to engage in sexual acts and/or contact. Anyone in the child's life may inflict this risk, including family members, friends, peers, and/or authority figures. KRS 600.020 provides the legal definition of child abuse, neglect, and dependency in Kentucky.
Children disclose sexual abuse in different ways, depending on their age, developmental capacity, and many other factors. Young children may not always realize that what they are experiencing is abuse or have the words to describe it, and may, therefore, disclose accidentally, through
their behaviors or in conversation. As children
grow older, their desire for the abuse to end
may encourage them to tell a person outside
of the family, such as a best friend, teacher, or
sports coach. No matter how or when the child
discloses, it is essential that professionals are able
to investigate and assess the situation.
How do
children
tell about
sexual abuse?
Why didn't my child tell me?
Abusers often use threats and manipulation to keep their
victims silent about the abuse. Children may also fear that their
families will be broken apart, that there will be negative consequences for the abuser, or that he/she did something wrong and will be in trouble for the abuse. Very young children may not know that what they are experiencing is abuse so they may not tell until they get older. Older children are often given privileges, attention, or gifts by the abuser
and may not want to lose these special things. Also, they
may love or like the person abusing them, even if
they don't like the abuse. There are many reasons
that a child may not disclose abuse, but
that does not mean that the
disclosure is not
truthful when the child
does.
Is it better for
the child not to talk
about the abuse so he/she
can forget what happened?
Although many adults would be more comfortable not talking about sexual abuse with the children in their lives, it is essential that they do. By not talking, the adult is sending the message that the abuse should be secret and that the emotions surrounding it should be kept inside. By talking about the abuse calmly and openly, the adult can let the child know that they are not alone, that the
adult can care for the child, and that the
abuse was not the child's fault.
Why do children "recant" or take
back an earlier report of sexual abuse?
Disclosures of sexual abuse can often plunge a family into chaos and turmoil. The child who disclosed may believe that his/her disclosure, not the abuse, caused this turmoil or that their family does not believe them. There may be pressure from those around the victim to "get back normal control" and so they may recant. Feelings of shame, embarrassment, and guilt often accompany sexual abuse and the victim may believe that, by taking back
the disclosure, these feelings will be lessened. Recanting
does not necessarily mean that the disclosure was false
or that the child was lying, just that the victim may
feel some emotional or physical pressure.
What if my child has to go to court?
Is child sexual abuse more than touching?
Sexual abuse can take on many forms such as fondling, penetration, exposure of private parts, participation and/or viewing of pornography, and speaking to a child in a sexualized manner. All forms are serious and must be addressed by law enforcement, child protective services, and/or medical professionals.
The
legal
process is complex,
and can be confusing
at times. Advocates can help
to guide victims and families in the
legal process. They may help victims and
their caregivers prepare to testify, meet with
the prosecutor, and become more comfortable with
the entire legal process. Preparing the child for court and
establishing a relationship with the child is important. If the
family of the victim is not allowed in the court room during the
testimony the advocate can be a friendly and supportive face in
the crowd for the child. If the child does have to testify, the
advocate can arrange appointments to see the
courtroom beforehand.
Regardless of the outcome of the
court case, it is important that
the victim has the
opportunity to
celebrate the
truth.​
How can I find out about sex offenders in my area?
Sex offenders are required to register with law enforcement when they move or after their release from prison/jail. A list of sex offenders registered in Kentucky can be accessed at: http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/sor.htm or by calling
866-564-5652.
At this number, an individual can register up to three zip codes to monitor and a phone number.
When a registered sex offender moves into and/or within those areas, the Kentucky State Police will notify
the phone number provided. Although the registration, phone notification, and website system is helpful, it is
not 100% accurate. Even though there is a punishment if a convicted sex offender does not register,
some offenders still do not. Also, some offenders "plead out" of their
cases and therefore may not have to register, if their plea agreement does not include a registerable offense.
*Persons convicted of sex crimes before July 15, 1994 are not required to register for those crimes.*