Sexual abuse occurs when an adult engages in sexual acts with a child or in situations where the perpetrator abuses the age difference or their power.
Where does sexual abuse occur? Sexual abuse involves inappropriate sexual touching or sexual acts towards a child. The perpetrator often holds a position of power, such as being stronger or older. It can happen across all walks of life and within all ethnic groups. Both girls and boys can become victims of sexual abuse.
Types of sexual abuse Sexual abuse encompasses a range of behaviors, from voyeurism and forced exposure to sexual acts, to rape and sexual exploitation. It can occur as a single incident or persist over an extended period of time. Children may not always understand or recognize what is happening to them, which makes it imperative to intervene.
Grooming Grooming is the process through which an offender establishes trust with a (vulnerable) child in order to later engage in sexual abuse. It begins with the selection of a victim and gaining the trust of the child and those around them. The perpetrator manipulates the child and provides compliments and gifts to reduce the likelihood of disclosure. Online grooming is a form of grooming in which the perpetrator pretends to be a child to facilitate sexual abuse.
Incest Incest refers to sexual contact between relatives, such as siblings, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren, uncles or aunts, and nieces or nephews. Incest is considered a form of sexual abuse as it often involves a power imbalance and coercion, particularly in cases of parent-child incest.
Sexual exploitation Sexual exploitation occurs when someone coerces the victim into providing sexual services in exchange for payment. Both girls and boys can fall victim to sexual exploitation. They are emotionally manipulated and exploited for prostitution or other illegal activities. This form of human trafficking has significant psychological and social consequences for the victims' development.
Online sexual harassment Online sexual harassment involves unwanted or abusive sexually explicit messages received by a victim or someone making inappropriate advances online. It can take various forms, such as shame-sexting, grooming, revenge porn, sextortion, online distribution of images of sexual violence, and the unsolicited sending or posting of sexually suggestive messages.
Child pornography The possession and distribution of images or videos depicting child sexual abuse are punishable by law. This includes both real and virtual material featuring children.
Police In case of an emergency or a threatening situation, it is important to contact the police immediately. This also applies when you need to report or make a report.
Emergency 911
No emergency 917
Report anonymously 108
Child Protection The Curaçao Child Protection Foundation (SKBC) is dedicated to preventing abuse, maltreatment, neglect, and any other form of harm to children and young people. Children may always call Ayudo pa Mucha i Hóben.
918 : Protection for children and young people, free and anonymous.
(+5999) 461 4444: Child protection contact for adults.
Bos di Hubentut The Bos di Hubentut foundation is dedicated to supporting children and young people in Curaçao. If you're facing challenges and need guidance, feel free to reach out to us, and we'll assist you in finding the right direction.
(+5999) 462 4224: For guidance regarding sexual abuse.
