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Did You Know: 

Growth spurts can start as early as 10 days after your baby’s birth.  Growth spurts usually are preceded by a sleepy, lethargic day and a big jump in appetite.  Growth spurts may happen again at 3, 6, and 12 weeks and again at 4 and 6 months.  If you begin to notice that your child is not as satisfied with the amount that you have been feeding her previously, then she may be beginning a growth spurt period.  If you are breastfeeding, you may want to add a feeding or two to satiate your baby’s appetite and to help increase milk production.

Hand Tools : Family Anger

Myths of Sexual Abuse

By Ron Huxley, LMFT

The subject of sexual abuse is steeped in misconceptions. Its publicity and media attention may have produce stereotypical myths about what constitutes sexual abuse. Six myths have been identified here:

Myth #1 - The total stranger represents the greatest potential danger to the child. In reality, these offenders account for less than 25% of the cases. Children are sexually abused or assaulted four out of five times by person known to them. This person might be their parent, stepparent, parents boyfriend, sibling, other relatives, neighbor, friend of the family, classmate, babysitter, landlord, doctor, teacher or preacher.

Myth #2 - Physical trauma is the main concern because children are usually severely hurt. Actually, violent attacks and forced penetration occur in only 5% of the cases. Force is rarely regard to sexually maltreat a young child or adolescent. Unfortunately, the psychological damage may have much worse trauma on the child.

Myth #3 - It's more difficult for the child to get over a sexual assault than for an adult. If the abuse does not occur more than once and if it is
handled appropriately by adults, chances are that the child victim will adjust to the trauma at a faster rate than the adult will. It is true that
children tend to become more withdrawn than older victims do.

Myth #4 - Child victims come from lower socio-economic families. Levels of family income and education are not indicators of sexual abuse. Middle and upper class families are more capable of concealing the effects of their neglect and abuse. Sexual abuse happens with any child regardless of age, race, or neighborhood. Offenders are usually of the same race and economic level. The offence occurs in the vicinity of the child's home or the home of the offender. And lastly, boys are subjected to abuse almost as
frequently as girls are.

Myth #5 - Most cases of child sexual abuse is reported. In reality, very few cases are reported. You only hear about the most violent or sensational cases. When the abuse involves a relative, you are less likely to have that
case reported. Reasons for not reporting will be discussed more in the section under reporting responsibilities.

Myth #6 - The child victim is somehow the cause - directly or indirectly - of the sexual abuse by seducing the offender. Fantasizing the molestation
or exaggerating the injury when the genitals were merely touched. While a child may seek attention or love through contact, or just plain curious, or
perhaps excited over sharing forbidden sexual feelings, the responsibility for the molestation rests with the offender. While it may appear that the child is a willing participant, he or she may be submitting because it seems the only way to cope. If the child is emotionally, physically and
financially dependent on the offender, the abuse may be tolerated out of fear, guilt or love.

The definition of abuse is confused with myths, stereotypes and misconceptions. It is also more complex and varied than being merely a case
of physical abuse or neglect. It also refers to emotional deprivation and sexual molestation by members close to the child. Maltreatment is not a
respecter of persons. It happens to any child regardless of age, race or income level.

Ron Huxley is a child and family therapist and the author of the book "Love & Limits: Achieving a Balance in Parenting." You can order his book online at or request it through your local bookstore. The ISBN number is 1-56593-936-0.

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