PEER-ON-PEER SEXUAL ABUSE
There are many different scenarios, including many myths when it comes to peer-on-peer sexual abuse.
When, where, and how should you report it?
Kansas Department for Children and Families
Almost 1 in 3 perpetrators of child sex abuse are below the age of 18. Some are hesitant to report this type of sexual assault occurring between two persons below the age of 18. In addition, in some cases, it can be difficult to evaluate and determine the abuser. Peer-on-peer sexual abuse between minors occurs without the victim’s consent, without physical, mental, or age equality, or results from coercion mentally or physically. These cases often peak in minors between the ages of 12 and 14. At this time in the life of an adolescent, any sexual tendency or activity cannot be relegated to kids playing doctor or any such excuse, particularly when the ramifications of such an activity are serious.
MYTH: Sexual touching between children (siblings, neighbors, cousins) is not abuse and should not be reported.
FACT: Sexual contact between siblings should be reported. Contact between non-related children may or may not be abusive. There is normal sexual exploration at certain developmental stages. This should occur between age mates. A report should be made if the age difference is troubling or if power and coercion are used.
*Peer-to-Peer Abusive Prevention Training through Praesidium.
*Juvenile Crime and Consequences in Kansas.
In Kansas, the age of consent for sexual activity is 16. Engaging in sexual activity, even fondling and touching, when the other person is 15 or younger, can result in you being charged with a crime. If the person is 13 or younger, it’s an even more serious crime, even if the other person agrees to the sexual activity. All that matters for you to be found guilty is how old the other person was at the time of the offense, not how old you thought they were or how old they told you they were.
“Reporting child abuse is important because every child has the right to grow up feeling safe and secure in their surroundings. Intervention is necessary to prevent the repeating pattern of abuse in families.”