Every year, thousands of boys and girls are sexually abused. The data collected by Bayit Cham and obtained by Israel Hayom paint a worrying picture, indicating that many times it is the environment familiar to children that is the most dangerous place for them.
Proximity of the offender,
As parents, we warn children about strangers and abuse that may occur on the street, but as we approach the summer vacation, we can see that the data indicate that about 40% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the child and his family (friend, neighbor, relative, etc.). Only about 15 per cent of injuries are committed by a complete stranger. Moreover, about 30 per cent of abuses occur within the family, with 60 per cent of abuses within the family occurring between siblings.
Additionally, over 50 per cent of injuries take place inside the victim's home or the offender's home, of which around 70 per cent take place inside the victim's home. It also emerged that 25 per cent of the injuries in 2022 were committed in an educational, religious or medical setting, 10 per cent of the cases occurred by a student at the educational institution, and seven per cent by an authority figure in the institution. Also, while 7 per cent of the injuries occurred on a one-time basis, about 45 per cent of the injuries underwent a continuous injury, of which 55 per cent underwent a multiple-time injury lasting more than ten times.
Data reveals around 40% of sexual assaults are committed by someone known to the child (illustration), Photo: GettyImages
In 2022, Bayit Cham, in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Affairs, treated about 4 minors who were sexually abused at the Belivnu Center for the treatment of children and youth aged 18-<> who were sexually abused in the Tel Aviv, Ramat Gan and Givatayim areas.
"Thrilling experience"
Netziah Shaaibi, a clinical social worker and director of the Belevinu Center, relates to the painful and high figure of sexual abuse between siblings, which according to professional literature are five times more common than incest between parent and child, and explains that beyond affecting the victim, this type of assault affects the entire family.
"When a child is hurt by one of the brothers, it's a harrowing experience. Parents often have feelings of guilt or anger towards one of the children, especially the abusive child, and feel that they have to choose sides. Parents have a tendency to deny that something like this happened at home, and then rehabilitation is more difficult," she says, noting that "an injury is a symptom of distress. Sometimes these are children who experience emotional neglect. The parents are busy with their own, and the children are looking for the emotional connection in each other, and it mixes with them, sexuality."
Over 50 per cent of injuries take place inside the victim's home (illustration), Photo: GettyImages
"Sometimes these are children who have been exposed to sexual content that is not appropriate for their age and there is no one to mediate it for them, and it meets the child in a confusing place," she explains. "There are also cases where a child who has been hurt himself cannot digest the experience and spends it on one of the siblings."
Increase in summer vacation
Arie Munk, CEO of Bayit Cham, says: "When there is sexual abuse between siblings, the whole family undergoes upheaval, the parents experience a breakdown and sometimes there is a tendency not to want to believe it. Parents are sometimes in conflict and find it difficult to maintain loyalty to both children. Sometimes the offender is denounced, and sometimes the victim is not believed. The sooner you get treatment, the better the results."
According to Netzachia, during the summer vacation, we see an increase in the number of cases. "The children are alone at home and are more exposed to the Internet and to each other. For parents who are suspicious, I recommend talking to the children. A lot of times kids overwhelm it as soon as you just talk to them. It's important that parents don't get angry at their children, but send them the message that they're here for them and help them."
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