As I have been reading the Kavanaugh story, I found myself thinking about one specific group of people. Those who were abused early in life have sequelae not only of memory, repressed memories, and suffering but also of acting out. More than that, the behavior that is learned as an abused child is all too easily replicated as a teenager, and later as an adult. Thus, little girls learn promiscuity and little boys learn abuse. It may surprise you to find out that at least one article claims that over half of child abuse victims may be little boys rather than little girls, http://bit.ly/2pMd27y.
Here is the challenge for dealing with child sexual abuse. Those children may have behavioral consequences that shove them from being victims into being the next generation of abusers, and/or immoral sinners. What type of symptoms are initially displayed?
-
An aversion to touch and physical affection: The child might flinch, laugh, or even say “ouch” when touched; rather than producing positive feelings, touch and affection are perceived as threats
-
Control issues: The child might go to great lengths to prevent feeling helpless and remain in control; such children are often disobedient, defiant, and argumentative
-
Anger problems: Anger might be expressed directly, in tantrums or acting out, or through manipulative, passive-aggressive behavior; the child might hide his or her anger in socially acceptable actions, like giving a high-5 that hurts or hugging someone too hard
-
Difficulty showing genuine care and affection: The child might act inappropriately affectionate with strangers while displaying little or no affection toward his or her parents
-
An underdeveloped conscience: The child might act like he or she does not have a conscience and might fail to show guilt, regret, or remorse after behaving badly
Among other symptoms: “A study done on the prevalence and predictors of sexual dysfunction in the United States revealed that victims of sexual abuse experience sexual problems more than the general population. They found that male victims of childhood sexual abuse were more likely to experience erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and low sexual desire, and they found that women were more likely to have arousal disorders (Laumann, Piel, & Rosen, 1999).”
But, but, but, there is also the other end of the spectrum. Child sexual abuse (CSA) is linked to adolescent risk behavior. “A robust literature links childhood sexual abuse (CSA) to later substance use and sexual risk behavior.” This is true whether male or female CSA is involved.
“In contrast, a robust literature suggests that individuals with CSA histories initiate sexual behavior earlier, are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors once they initiate sexual activity (e.g., lack of/inconsistent condom use, sex with multiple partners), and to continue to engage in risky behavior into adulthood (see Beitchman et al., 1992; Kendall-Tackett, Williams, & Finkelhor, 1993; Senn et al., 2008; Trickett & Putnam, 1998, for reviews). In turn, those with CSA histories are more likely to experience the consequences of risky sexual behavior, including unplanned pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases (e.g., Clum et al., 2009; Mugavero, et al., 2007; also see Senn et al., 2008 for a review).”
No story links Kavanaugh with any of the above. But, here is my question. What if a boy or girl who was sexually abused runs for Congress or is nominated for the Supreme Court? What if that boy or girl was acting out, including risky behavior and immoral actions? It is easy to say that the boy or girl had free will. And, that is correct! But, what if the boy or girl eventually changed his behavior and became a solid citizen? At what point do we continue to say to the boy or girl that his/her behavior was reprehensible and he or she is forever unfit for any responsible post? At what point do we say that the boy or girl is forever banned from any high position?
I am not arguing that Kavanaugh is innocent. Nor am I arguing that Kavanaugh was abused. But, I do know some abused who displayed incredibly risky behavior during late adolescence and early college. [Note: no attempted rapes were involved, but certainly inappropriate touching, pushy sexual behavior, very promiscuous behavior, etc.] Where is the line of forgiveness for them? Should they run for office, would they forever need to fear the revelation of their risky behavior?
As a nation, we need to ensure that we do not descend into a purity/Phariseeism belief structure that does not allow for growth, forgiveness, and a clear sense of the difference between a victim acting out and a true predator.
Leave a Reply