CHILD Protection & Rights > Child Protection Issues.

What do these sexual abused children face?

Myths, such as the belief that HIV/AIDS can be cured through sex with a virgin, technological advances such as the Internet which has facilitated child pornography, and sex tourism targeting children, all add to their vulnerability.

Like all children who suffer from violence and abuse, they may be physically, mentally injured. They are at high risk of: long-lasting physical, social, and psychological damage, disease (including HIV) or unwanted pregnancy and forced abortions.

They suffer from the global indifference and culture of silence that prevails in society. Sexual activity is often seen as a private matter. Communities are reluctant to act and intervene in cases of sexual abuse or sexual exploitation.

Pornographic images of children are often copied multiple times and may remain in circulation for many years; the victim continues to be subjected to humiliation long after the image has been made.

They also face stigmatization, exclusion and even criminalization. Sexually exploited children are often treated as criminals and they are imprisoned when they are arrested.

A Special Rapporteur was appointed by the UN Secretary General to assess the situation worldwide and tackle the sale of children, child prostitution and child pornography.

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