The Reality of Child Sexual Misconduct in California Schools

Allegations of sexual misconduct by instructors and employees at the Thacher School school have been made for about 40 years, including the rape of an adolescent pupil.

Blossom Pidduck, the 47-year-old head of the beleaguered boarding school Thacher School, has taken a leave of absence following another publication of sexual assault claims at the school. She is one of the three school heads who have made this decision.

“These have been tough facts to address,” Pidduck stated in her letter announcing her upcoming leave from the Thacher School. 

Types of Child Sexual Misconduct

Child sexual abuse is a form of child abuse that includes any sexual activity between a child and an adult or another child who is significantly older than the child. Types of child sexual abuse include:

• Exhibitionism
• Exposure to pornography’
• Fondling
• Oral-genital contact
• Intercourse
• Rape
• Incest, which is when a family member sexually abuses a child

We also have cases when an adult uses their power to coerce or deceive a child into sexual activity. This can include grooming the child, making them feel special or loved, and then persuading them into sexual activity. 

Irrespective of the form, child sexual abuse can have serious psychological consequences for the victims, including confusion, shame, guilt, betrayal, low self-esteem, posttraumatic stress disorder, and problems in future relationships.

If your child has been the victim of sexual abuse in California, the California child sexual abuse attorney at Beck Law, P.C. can inform you of your legal options.

The Reality of Child Sexual Assault: Effects on Victims

Sexual abuse is a reality that many children face. The effects of child sexual abuse on victims can be devastating. Victims may feel ashamed, guilty, and alone. They may have trouble trusting people and developing relationships. They may struggle with self-esteem and body image issues. 

Take for example, the case of the 16-year-old girl was reportedly raped by an English instructor. She mentioned that she was left “traumatized” and “alone”. She also stated that she was bleeding a lot afterward and received no medical attention.

As a result of the combination of physical and emotional harm done, young sexual abuse victims often experience problems at school or in their job. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may arise. In this case, the PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the abuse.

The Reality of Child Sexual Abuse: Effects on Society

The effects on society are significant, as child sexual abuse can lead to a number of social problems, including teenage pregnancies, depression, drug and alcohol addiction, and homelessness. Child sexual abuse can also lead to criminal behavior in adulthood, as the victims often become perpetrators themselves. This cycle of abuse needs to be broken, and we need to do more to protect our children from sexual predators.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Child Sexual Assault?

Of course, California sexual assault laws have been enacted to protect children from abuse, and perpetrators that are caught will be punished for their crimes. However, there are preventive methods that often prove to be a better route to take.

Some of these methods include:

• Educating children about sexual misconduct and what to do if they are ever approached or experience it.
• Teaching parents how to properly talk to their children about sex, bodies, and personal safety.
• Creating safe places for children to talk about anything that is happening in their lives, including any abuse they may have experienced or witnessed.
• Providing resources and support for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.

Help for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

Do you know someone who has been a victim of child sexual abuse? The California child sexual abuse law firm, Beck Law P.C. can help. We can provide you with legal assistance and support. Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (707) 576-7175.