Etiological Factors and Theories of Sexual Abuse

Abstract

This chapter describes how sexual abuse could be simply put as an unwanted sexual activity, with the perpetrators using force and/or making threats or taking advantage inability of victims to give consent. Sexual abuse is an extremely common and very serious problem affecting millions of people each year all over the world, but unfortunately in most countries there has been very little research conducted on the problem. Rationally speaking, to prevent or stop social evils like sexual abuse, the scientific method would be arguably one of the most powerful methodology in critical thinking and towards this, understanding causes of sexual abuse is extremely important. In this backdrop, this chapter addresses various psycho social factors, environmental factors and theories of sexual abuse to understand and appreciate the causes of sexual abuse. This concludes that with this aid in developing appropriate legal and policy reforms and interventions that would work on strategy to prevent sexual abuses in the society.