Recognizing Sexual Abuse in Teens

As a teenager, it can be hard to define child sexual abuse. You may not be able to recognize it because you don’t know what it is. There are many factors that play into being taken advantage of sexually that some people might not think of. It is important to know what sexual abuse is when growing up. Here are some common warning signs in teens that might not be too obvious:

Age

Know that if you are over the age of 18 and you are sexually involved with someone under the age of 18, it is considered child sexual abuse. Look out for perpetrators who prey on younger people. They might even use a technique called sexual grooming in which they slowly prepare themselves for sexual activity.

Being forced

It is considered sexual abuse if you are being forced to watch sexual imagery or act upon sexual acts if you don’t want to. Also, if someone is trying to convince you to participate or comply and you don’t feel safe. Force can be expressed both physically and emotionally. Don’t let someone guilt trip you into doing something you don’t want to do. 

Being under the influence

It is safest not to engage in sexual activity if you or another person are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. You might not be completely there and end up doing something you’ll regret when sober. If the other person engages in sexual activity with you when you aren’t sober, it is considered sexual abuse. 

Blaming the victim

Whenever the perpetrator tries to blame the victim or say you were “asking for it” it is sexual abuse. It is also sexual abuse if they are blaming it on the fact that you were under the influence. In order to engage in safe sexual activity, full consent from both parties are needed. 

Date rape

Be careful of some people out there who might take advantage of a social environment to force you into having sex. It can be in the form of physical or emotional force. Some perpetrators even use drugs to spike a victim’s drink or food in order to make them vulnerable.