THE’abuse it is a devastating experience both physically and psychologically and can produce important psychopathological behaviors, due to the confusion that is generated in the victim on a cognitive, emotional and sexual level.
- On the sexual plan the victim is violently forced to engage in inappropriate sexual behavior compared to his developmental level and distortions from a relational point of view;
- on the relational level the victim discovers that she has been betrayed, manipulated and deceived by someone to whom she was close, if familiar, or by a stranger;
- on the body planinvasion and demolition cause the loss of a sense of self-mastery.
The child finds himself in contact with a tangle of moods that are difficult to sustain: disappointment, humiliation, mourning, loss of trust in a figure that is significant and reassuring for him. The lack of one “basic trust” and a stabilized sense of self can create a inner emptiness which often pushes the child to search for what others want from him, adapting to any request in order to maintain the relationship and the illusory feeling of security.
The mechanisms used by the child to defend himself
The main defense mechanisms used by the child who suffers abuse are:
- removal
- the denial
- the split
- identification
- idealization.
Repression, denial and splitting
There removal Trauma is the most commonly used defense: it is implemented to prevent painful and difficult to accept feelings from becoming evident and recognisable.
There denial it serves to prevent us from recognizing what we have suffered and the wickedness of the perpetrators of the abuse. These are idealized, to satisfy the desire to have different adults and deny the painful facts.
By denying the perception of the abuser’s wickedness, this is shifted onto someone else or onto oneself: thus determining the splitwhich allows him to maintain the fantasy of having a good adult who takes care of him.
Identification and idealization
THE’identification with the aggressor it causes the parameter to become external and, by becoming equal to the aggressor or to the parent who feels more powerful, the child is able to control the anguish deriving from the fear of attacks, humiliation and abandonment. The fear of the sense of helplessness is replaced by feelings of power and omnipotence.
Identification with those who punish leads the child to direct aggressive impulses against himself, inflicting on himself the harm he would like to do to others, to avoid finding himself in the place of those who deserve the punishments.
Who is the pedophile
Pedophilia is one of the paraphilic disorders (paraphilias) and is one of the sexual disorders recognized by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). But who is the pedophile? The term pedophile evokes in the collective imagination the figure of an elderly and psychopathic maniac. However, numerous studies have shown that the pedophile is often an absolutely ordinary person, usually with a family and a respectable job.
With respect to the triggering cause, sexual attackers can be divided into two categories:
- Who from victim he becomes aggressorto restore the sense of power taken away due to childhood abuse suffered;
- who repeats the violence by imitationbecause for example he saw them suffered by his own mother. The aggressor has learned to associate violence with sexuality, and has in turn been so psychologically violated that he does not know how to respect and love others.
What adults can do
The child does not know how to defend himself, but he can learn to do so by building and strengthening self-esteem and self-awareness from an early age through constant dialogue with parents.
Talking together about unpleasant or difficult situations, tackling delicate problems and stimulating reflection helps the child to find adequate responses in dangerous situations and to feel stronger in times of emergency.
Often, between parents and children, there is a sort of reticence and embarrassment in addressing certain issues, in particular those relating to abuse. However, knowing in advance what the child has to do, finding within himself reflections and discussions made with the parents, can give him great support in unpredictable moments.
There prevention is essential: children who have some knowledge know react better when they find themselves in difficulty. Adults are responsible for guide children adequately towards adolescence and adulthood. To do this it is important:
- be attentive to their concerns;
- establish a climate of trust that helps them become aware of the means of defense they have at their disposal and which they can resort to at any time.
Childhood sexual abuse: a clinical definition
THE’childhood sexual abuse is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as the involvement of a child in sexual activities that he or she does not fully understand, cannot consent to, or that violate laws or social taboos. These activities may include physical contact, but also exposure to sexual content or requests to perform sexual acts.
According to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), child sexual abuse includes any sexual act imposed on a child by an adult or significantly older adolescent, with the goal of obtaining sexual gratification. This definition underlines the seriousness of abuse and the need to recognize all its forms, even the less obvious ones.
Epidemiological data and extent of the phenomenon
Child sexual abuse is a phenomenon that is unfortunately widespread throughout the world. According to 2024 WHO research, it is estimated that around 1 in 5 children in Europe are victims of some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. In Italy, data collected by the Guarantor Authority for Children and Adolescents indicate that the majority of victims are under 13 years old and that in over 70% of cases the abuser is a person known to the family. Between 2017 and 2023, there were 6,024 visits to the emergency room by children and young people diagnosed with violence, of which 63.8% were females and 36.2% males, highlighting a worrying incidence of the phenomenon (Istat, 2025). The age of greatest vulnerability to sexual abuse is between 7 and 13 years, a period in which minors are particularly exposed (Finkelhor, 1994). Violence against minors is characterized by pervasiveness, different perpetrators and areas, continuity over time, high severity and lasting consequences (Muratore, 2025). These numbers highlight how important prevention, awareness and adult training are to recognize the signs and intervene promptly.
Risk factors for sexual abuse in minors
Some children may be more vulnerable to sexual abuse due to specific risk factors. It is important to know them in order to act preventively:
- Social isolation: children who have few friends or are little cared for by adults may be more exposed to risky situations.
- Absence or lack of supervision: the lack of attentive adult presence increases vulnerability.
- History of abuse or neglect: those who have already suffered other forms of abuse may be more likely to be victims of sexual abuse.
- Physical or cognitive disabilities: Minors with disabilities may have greater difficulty communicating or defending themselves.
- Dysfunctional family environments: Situations of conflict, substance abuse or domestic violence can create a context conducive to abuse.
Recognizing these factors can allow adults to intervene early and offer greater protection to children most at risk.
Physical and behavioral indicators of abuse
Sexual abuse can manifest itself through physical and behavioral signs. It is essential that parents, teachers and reference adults know how to recognize these indicators:
- Physical signs: presence of bruises, redness or lesions in the genital or anal area, difficulty walking or sitting, sexually transmitted infections.
- Behavioral changes: sudden drops in academic performance, isolation, anxiety, depression, sleep or eating disorders.
- Sexualized behaviors: Knowledge or interest in age-inappropriate sexual topics, sexual games or drawings.
- Regressions: return to behaviors typical of previous ages, such as nocturnal enuresis or excessive attachment to adults.
These signs are not always evidence of abuse, but their presence, especially if persistent or combined, may require further investigation and evaluation by professionals.
How to recognize and intervene in case of suspected abuse
Recognizing possible abuse requires attention and sensitivity. If you notice suspicious signs, it is important:
- Listen to the child without judgment: create a climate of trust in which the minor feels free to speak, without pressure or suggestive questions.
- Gather information delicately: avoid insisting or suggesting answers, but let the child express himself at his own pace and in his own words.
- Don’t promise absolute secrecy: explain that some information must be shared with those who can help him, for his safety.
- Contact professionals: in case of well-founded suspicion, it is essential to contact social services, psychologists or law enforcement agencies specialized in the protection of minors.
Timely intervention can make the difference in the child’s protection and care process.
Minors’ difficulties in disclosing abuse
Many children and adolescents may find it extremely difficult to talk about the abuse they have experienced. The reasons can be different:
- Fear of not being believed: the minor often fears that adults will not trust him or that they will minimize what happened.
- Feelings of guilt or shame: the abuser may have made the victim feel responsible for the incident, fueling feelings of guilt.
- Threats or intimidation: In some cases, the abuser threatens the child or his family to prevent him from speaking.
- Emotional bond with the abuser: when the abuser is a trusted person, the minor may feel confusion and fear of losing affection or protection.
Understanding these difficulties can help adults to be more welcoming and patient, promoting a climate in which the child can feel safe in talking about his or her experience.
Taking care of yourself, together: the first step towards protection and well-being
Addressing the issue of child sexual abuse requires courage, attention and the awareness that no adult is alone in this task. Recognizing the signs, listening without judgment and offering support are fundamental gestures to protect children and help them regain safety and trust. If you feel the need to consult a professional, for yourself or for those you love, Evidence Network is at your side: you can find listening, support and useful tools to deal with even the most delicate situations. If you wish, you can start the questionnaire to find your psychologist online and take the first step towards a path of awareness, prevention and well-being.
