Child defilement is a practice in which children are used for sexual gratification by adults. It includes exhibitionism, pornography, verbal or oral-genital contact, and actual vaginal sex.
It affects millions of girls every year and is a major violation of their rights as human beings. It is a global challenge that requires leadership and investment to address. Here are some of the effect of child defilement.
Emotional Effect Of Child Defilement
Child defilement is a heinous crime that can have a devastating emotional effect on the victim. The emotional impact of child defilement can last a lifetime and can affect every aspect of the victim’s life, including their mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.
The trauma of child defilement can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. The victim may experience a loss of trust in others and may struggle with intimacy and forming healthy relationships. They may also struggle with feelings of anger, sadness, and depression, which can lead to self-harm and other destructive behaviors.
In addition, child defilement can have a significant impact on the victim’s education and career prospects. The emotional trauma can make it difficult for them to concentrate, learn, and perform well in school or at work. This can lead to a cycle of poverty and disadvantage, as the victim may struggle to find employment or access higher education opportunities.
Furthermore, the emotional effects of child defilement can extend beyond the victim to their family and loved ones. Family members may experience feelings of guilt, shame, and anger, and may also struggle to come to terms with what has happened. The trauma of child defilement can also lead to family breakdown and social isolation, as the victim and their family may struggle to cope with the aftermath of the abuse.
It is important to note that every victim of child defilement is unique, and the emotional impact of the abuse may vary from person to person. However, it is clear that child defilement can have a profound and lasting emotional effect on the victim, which can have significant consequences for their life and well-being. It is therefore essential that we take steps to prevent child defilement and provide support and care to those who have experienced this traumatic abuse.
Psychological Effects
The long-term psychological effects of child defilement can be devastating. They include low self-esteem, a distorted view of sexuality, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
Fortunately, many of the victims and survivors interviewed at the Truth Project have reported that their recovery has been possible thanks to supportive responses from family, friends, caregivers, and professionals. But there are also many who report that their experiences have had a negative impact on their relationships, both intimate and platonic.
Researchers have found that a part of the brain called the corpus callosum (a thick nerve cell cable connecting the left and right sides of the brain) shrinks in children who have been abused. This shrinking may be linked to mood and personality switches.
It’s important for a child victim to receive professional help from a mental health therapist or psychologist that specializes in child abuse. Then the child and his or her family can work together to address their emotions and the negative consequences of abuse.
Social Effects
Child defilement is a serious social and psychological trauma which can have significant deleterious effects on children in terms of their academic performance, self esteem, mental health and their social relationships with peers and the family. Studies have shown that defilement leads to depression, poor social relationships, behavioral problems, and even suicidal ideation in some children.
A study on children who were defiled found that 67% of them experienced severe psychological and behavioral problems such as running away from home, drugs use and dropping out of school. These children were also found to have a high rate of depression and a number of suicide attempts. This was in addition to the physical effects of defilement such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). These negative outcomes cannot be separated from other social problems that many defiled children experienced, including poverty, unemployment, drug addiction and violence in the community. These studies are important in identifying the negative outcomes that can be attributed to child defilement.
