Child Sexual Abuse: Contextual Aspects, Effects, and Professional Responsibilities

Running Head: CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author’s Note

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE1
Describe the contextual aspects of the chosen case study that may contribute to the
maltreatment of the child, and the possible effects on their health, education and
well-being (for example poverty, social displacement and disadvantage, social
constructions based on race, religion or region). Include references to relevant
legislation, policy, practice and literature. (600 words)
Maltreatment occurring in childhood can have long-term implications in the later stages
of life. This report was written to present the long-term side effects of maltreatment in Diana’s
childhood and adulthood.
Any significant risk of intentional or unintentional emotional or sexual harm caused by
the parents or any known people is child maltreatment. In this case study, the subject Diana will
be experiencing many other such forms of abuses. Approximately 2.5 million adults have
experienced sexual abuse under the age of 15. Most of the times the sexual perpetrator is not a
family member. Emotional abuse is common in at least 1 in 4 women below the age of 15. To
add further, slightly more than 1 in 5 clients seek specialist homelessness services due to the
reason of being a victim of family abuse, in the range of 0-9 years of age (Australian Institute of
Health and Welfare, 2019,).
Unsupported parents, housing instability, unwanted conception, drug and alcohol abuse,
abuse scenario, illiteracy, social boycott, parental mental health issues, lack of parenting
awareness and neighborhood disadvantages are the major reasons for the cause of child
maltreatment; this is prominent in families involved with child protection services. Other than
that, there are environmental factors that also lead to the issue, which is economic insufficiency,
family violence and multiples stress factors. In addition to these factors, child related factors also

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE2
play a role in child maltreatment that is low attachment between child and parents (Australian
Institute of Family Studies, 2010). In Australia, mental health issue and substance abuse are the
cause of 1 in 3 clients being a victim of family abuse and domestic violence (Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare, 2018).
Child maltreatment leads to significant negative consequences that are self-harm, anxiety
and depression, physical damage such as trauma. Other effects include sleep disorder, learning
incapability, deficit disorder in learning and memory difficulties, loss of focus, mental disorders,
social anxiety, and poor academic grades. To point out more issues, smoking cigarettes, drinking
alcohol and drug abuse are also the results of child maltreatment. Dianna, having a history of
child maltreatment is a target of health problems that include diabetes mellitus, eating disorder,
obesity, headaches, gynecological complications, heart disease and stroke. Child maltreatment
also causes mental health issues that include personality disorders such as post-traumatic stress
syndrome, psychosis and dis-associative disorders. Women also complain of general health and
bodily pain who gp through sexual abuse in their childhood (Australian Institute of Family
Studies, 2014).
Child maltreatment has more negative consequences that follow to adulthood such as
mental disorder, homelessness, aggressive nature, anti-social activities, which includes
criminality, suicidal tendencies, engaging in sexual assaults, victimisation and gambling. History
of maltreatment can affect the adulthood of children, showing negative results of sexual abuse
and emotional negligence. In 224 studies, a relationship was found amongst child negligence,
sexual abuse and substance abuse problems in women (Australian Institute of Family Studies,
2014).

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE3
When all of these points are taken under consideration, then it is to be seen that the case
study, Dianna can have intimacy issues in her adulthood. Instability in her intimate relationships
can increase. In addition, a risk of sexual negativity and less preference in intimacy will be
evident in her married life (Australian Institute of Family Studies, 2013).
Identify and articulate the role and responsibilities of the different professionals
who would need to coordinate support to protect the child/young person in the
chosen case study in the short to medium term. In your answer, refer to laws and
policies these professionals work within. (600 words)
Australian societies have a major concern, which is child maltreatment. Diana and her
family might be a target of poverty, marital conflict, boycott from social support, drug and
alcohol addiction or parents who have from mental illness. Dianna may personally experience
mental health issues, as it is prevalent amongst children experiencing maltreatment (Australian
Institute of Family Studies, 2014). This report mentions Dianna and her family because they are
more likely to be involved in child protection services or professional services. In addition, it
also talks about the responsibilities of the professional workers of Australia who are helping
Dianna and her family to get easy access to information, services and support regarding Dianna’s
maltreatment and her parental issues.
Dianna and her family have all the rights they need to get the support. The professional
workers who are helping them need to know the root cause of the problems leading to
maltreatment. They should also include the discussion of parenting issues, kids and parent rights
and encourage the progression of support deserved by Dianna and her family. Parents suffering
from these problems are in the need of help, but they are hesitant in asking for any support for