Sexual Abuse

We all wish it did not occur, and we avoid talking about it as if it never happens. However the fact is that, like other children, those of cross-cultural workers (MKs) are sometimes sexually abused. In some cases MKs may be in even more danger of sexual abuse (such as being touched or touching inappropriately, being shown pornography, having intercourse, etc.). If parents are frequently absent, leaving their children with other cross-cultural workers, and telling their children to respect and obey the other adults as they would their own parents, those children are put under the authority of a greater spectrum of adults, increasing their opportunity to run into an abuser. If the parents have not had an open attitude about the discussion of sexuality, their MKs may believe a perpetrator whom they know well when that abuser tells them some activity is all right. Let’s consider where sexual abuse can occur, what are some signs of sexual abuse, and what we can do to prevent it.