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Intrafamilial
Child Abuse
The incestuous
or Intrafamilial molester is usually an adult male (father,
stepfather, grandfather or live-in boyfriend of the mother),
however, mothers or other female caregivers also sexually
abuse children. The molestation is usually secretive and is
sometimes accomplished through misuse of power, mental duress,
bribes, tricks or misuse of parental role under the guise
of sex education and threats.
Common
threats may include: That the child would be removed from
the family if they do not succumb to the offender's wishes;
that they would be blamed for hurting the family if the offender
is arrested; that a sibling would be sexually abused if the
victim does not consent. Often the offender will portray act
needy or emotionally distraught as a result of marital problems,
thereby needing the attention of the victim.
The molestation
usually occurs over an extended period of time, occasionally
into the victim's adulthood. Through intimidation, the child
is made to feel responsible for the molestation and for keeping
the acts secret. This secret is normally kept between the
offender and the victim, or within the immediate family.
There
are many situations where a family with children can be vulnerable,
such as single parent families where the parent has a full
time job and is attempting to fulfill the role of both parents
as well as run the household or in situations where family
conflicts leave a child feeling alienated or abandoned. Some
male offenders seek out mothers who are single parents for
the purpose of victimizing their children. In these cases,
he may have a genuine attraction to the mother and the hidden
agenda of pursuit of the children as victims.
Children
from all types of families can be vulnerable to child molesters.
Any child whose needs for attention or affection are not being
met can be particularly vulnerable. It is important to remember
that because adults have power over children, any child can
be at risk.
See
also:
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