Child Sexual Abuse - Revision history

Jim Burton at 19:30, 9 April 2025

2025-04-09T19:30:15Z

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	[[File:Cycle.png\|thumb\|Charting the cycles of panic]]		[[File:Cycle.png\|thumb\|Charting the cycles of panic]]

	In the Victorian Era and following decades, panic set in around the purity of young girls, with crackdowns on prostitution. While not highly influential at the time, the sciences started the process of pathologizing and categorizing deviant forms of sexuality. Then between the 30s and 50s, the state focused on the sexual psychopath and stepped up its legal efforts against homosexuals and gender nonconformists. From the mid-70s, children took center stage - in a phase of problematization that remains partly in effect. From around 2020, a fourth phase began, concerning the ''normalization'' of the "[[Minor Attracted Person]]" and ~~his~~ purported modes of deviance.		In the Victorian Era and following decades, panic set in around the purity of young girls, with crackdowns on prostitution. While not highly influential at the time, the sciences started the process of pathologizing and categorizing deviant forms of sexuality. Then between the 30s and 50s, the state focused on the sexual psychopath and stepped up its legal efforts against homosexuals and gender nonconformists. From the mid-70s, children took center stage - in a phase of problematization that remains partly in effect. From around 2020, a fourth phase began, concerning the ''normalization'' of the "[[Minor Attracted Person]]" and their purported modes of deviance.

	==In focus: Radical criticism of CSA's empirical validity==		==In focus: Radical criticism of CSA's empirical validity==

Jim Burton at 00:36, 9 April 2025

2025-04-09T00:36:19Z

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	{{Template:Ac}}__NOTOC__'''Child Sexual Abuse''' (CSA) is a modern social and legal term used to distinguish [[minor-adult sex]] as a separate category with unique and innate harmful properties. Those effected by CSA are in turn said to be '''CSA survivors'''.		{{Template:Ac}}__NOTOC__'''Child Sexual Abuse''' (CSA) is a modern social and legal term used to distinguish [[minor-adult sex]] as a separate category with unique and innate harmful properties. Those effected by CSA are in turn said to be '''CSA survivors'''.

	There is no [[Wikipedia:Child sexual abuse\|broadly accepted age limit]] for the minor, nor an accepted age gap for instances of adolescent-child abuse~~, meaning~~ that catch-alls such as [[Wikipedia:Child-on-child sexual abuse\|COCSA]] are often used for the relatively vast number of sexual contacts involving minors but no adults.		There is no [[Wikipedia:Child sexual abuse\|broadly accepted age limit]] for the minor, nor an accepted age gap for instances of adolescent on child sexual abuse to be considered CSA. This means that catch-alls such as [[Wikipedia:Child-on-child sexual abuse\|COCSA]] are often used for the relatively vast number of sexual contacts involving minors but no adults.

	CSA as a construct, was popularized by American [[moral entrepreneur]]s, [[Sexual Abuse\|sexual abuse]]/trauma researchers and [[feminism\|feminist]] theorists of the late 1970s and early 80s. This influence, has since percolated thru western law, medicine and other sciences such as psychology, into popular culture.		CSA as a construct, was popularized by American [[moral entrepreneur]]s, [[Sexual Abuse\|sexual abuse]]/trauma researchers and [[feminism\|feminist]] theorists of the late 1970s and early 80s. This influence, has since percolated thru western law, medicine and other sciences such as psychology, into popular culture.

	While modern CSA theory is arguably rooted in [[Feminism\|feminist]] critiques of power-difference, it also owes a lot to long-held conceptions of childhood as a unique and special period of life, and moral/religious views on sexuality as a topic which can be analyzed and governed through the lens of "valid" and "invalid" subtypes. Much of the early amplification of CSA-adjacent discourse can be ascribed to religious and moral entrepreneurs such as [[Judianne Densen-Gerber]] and [[Lawrence Padzer]].<ref>[http://www.ipt-forensics.com/journal/volume18/j18_4.htm Child Sexual Abuse: The Sources of Anxiety Making and the Negative Effects - Veraa]</ref>		While modern CSA theory is arguably rooted in [[Feminism\|feminist]] critiques of power-difference, it also owes a lot to long-held conceptions of childhood as a [[Childhood Innocence\|unique and special period of life]], and moral/religious views on sexuality as a topic which can be analyzed and governed through the lens of "valid" and "invalid" subtypes. Much of the early amplification of CSA-adjacent discourse can be ascribed to religious and moral entrepreneurs such as [[Judianne Densen-Gerber]] and [[Lawrence Padzer]].<ref>[http://www.ipt-forensics.com/journal/volume18/j18_4.htm Child Sexual Abuse: The Sources of Anxiety Making and the Negative Effects - Veraa]</ref>

	MAPs as a group have embraced different approaches towards engaging with and addressing the CSA survivor discourse:		MAPs as a group have embraced different approaches towards engaging with and addressing the CSA survivor discourse:

Jim Burton at 15:01, 8 April 2025

2025-04-08T15:01:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:01, 8 April 2025
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	{{Template:Ac}}__NOTOC__'''Child Sexual Abuse''' (CSA) is a modern social and legal term used to distinguish [[minor-adult sex]] as a separate category with unique and innate harmful properties. Those effected by CSA are in turn said to be '''CSA survivors'''. There is no [[Wikipedia:Child sexual abuse\|broadly accepted age limit]] for the minor, nor an accepted age gap for instances of adolescent-child abuse, meaning that catch-alls such as [[Wikipedia:Child-on-child sexual abuse\|COCSA]] are often used		{{Template:Ac}}__NOTOC__'''Child Sexual Abuse''' (CSA) is a modern social and legal term used to distinguish [[minor-adult sex]] as a separate category with unique and innate harmful properties. Those effected by CSA are in turn said to be '''CSA survivors'''.

			There is no [[Wikipedia:Child sexual abuse\|broadly accepted age limit]] for the minor, nor an accepted age gap for instances of adolescent-child abuse, meaning that catch-alls such as [[Wikipedia:Child-on-child sexual abuse\|COCSA]] are often used for the relatively vast number of sexual contacts involving minors but no adults.

	CSA as a construct, was popularized by American [[moral entrepreneur]]s, [[Sexual Abuse\|sexual abuse]]/trauma researchers and [[feminism\|feminist]] theorists of the late 1970s and early 80s. This influence, has since percolated thru western law, medicine and other sciences such as psychology, into popular culture.		CSA as a construct, was popularized by American [[moral entrepreneur]]s, [[Sexual Abuse\|sexual abuse]]/trauma researchers and [[feminism\|feminist]] theorists of the late 1970s and early 80s. This influence, has since percolated thru western law, medicine and other sciences such as psychology, into popular culture.

Jim Burton at 14:58, 8 April 2025

2025-04-08T14:58:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:58, 8 April 2025
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	{{Template:Ac}}__NOTOC__'''Child Sexual Abuse''' (CSA) is a modern social and legal term used to distinguish [[minor-adult sex]] as a separate category with unique and innate harmful properties. Those effected by CSA are in turn said to be '''CSA survivors'''.		{{Template:Ac}}__NOTOC__'''Child Sexual Abuse''' (CSA) is a modern social and legal term used to distinguish [[minor-adult sex]] as a separate category with unique and innate harmful properties. Those effected by CSA are in turn said to be '''CSA survivors'''. There is no [[Wikipedia:Child sexual abuse\|broadly accepted age limit]] for the minor, nor an accepted age gap for instances of adolescent-child abuse, meaning that catch-alls such as [[Wikipedia:Child-on-child sexual abuse\|COCSA]] are often used

	CSA as a construct, was popularized by American [[moral entrepreneur]]s, [[Sexual Abuse\|sexual abuse]]/trauma researchers and [[feminism\|feminist]] theorists of the late 1970s and early 80s. This influence, has since percolated thru western law, medicine and other sciences such as psychology, into popular culture.		CSA as a construct, was popularized by American [[moral entrepreneur]]s, [[Sexual Abuse\|sexual abuse]]/trauma researchers and [[feminism\|feminist]] theorists of the late 1970s and early 80s. This influence, has since percolated thru western law, medicine and other sciences such as psychology, into popular culture.

Jim Burton at 14:43, 8 April 2025

2025-04-08T14:43:53Z

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	# '''Radical deconstruction (usually radical [[pro-c]])'''. The proponent will attempt to argue that the construct of CSA lacks empirical validity as per [[Rind et al]]. The risk here is that the proponent can be attacked as denying the lived experience of abuse survivors, since abuse experiences are incredibly diverse. This approach is addressed in later sections of this article.		# '''Radical deconstruction (usually radical [[pro-c]])'''. The proponent will attempt to argue that the construct of CSA lacks empirical validity as per [[Rind et al]]. The risk here is that the proponent can be attacked as denying the lived experience of abuse survivors, since abuse experiences are incredibly diverse. This approach is addressed in later sections of this article.
	# '''Critical/pragmatic constructivism (neutral/reformist/pro-choice)'''. The proponent here acknowledges the lived experience of abuse survivors and does not challenge the basis of its reality. Instead, they raise contrary examples such as [[Accounts and Testimonies]], using the empirical literature to argue that these are too common to ignore. A key argument here is that the singular CSA discourse robs youth of their agency and forces individuals who might otherwise ''not'' feel they suffered abuse to internalise victimhood. It also risks trivialising the most severe experiences of abuse, by confusing them with "consensual crimes" and "inappropriate relationships". When there is only a singular abuse narrative, this allows victims to suffer in silence, as abusers can hide their power by taking advantage of other adults' biases (i.e. all abuse is "rapey", all victims are passive and female, the perpetrator must fit a certain mould).		# '''Critical/pragmatic constructivism (neutral/reformist/pro-choice)'''. The proponent here acknowledges the lived experience of abuse survivors and does not challenge the basis of its reality. Instead, they raise contrary examples such as [[Accounts and Testimonies]], using the empirical literature to argue that these are too common to ignore. A key argument here is that the singular CSA discourse robs youth of their agency and forces individuals who might otherwise ''not'' feel they suffered abuse to internalise victimhood. It also risks trivialising the most severe experiences of abuse, by confusing them with "consensual crimes" and "inappropriate relationships". When there is only a singular abuse narrative, this allows victims to suffer in silence, as abusers can hide their power by taking advantage of other adults' biases (i.e. all abuse is "rapey", all victims are passive and female, queer victims are complicit, the perpetrator must fit a certain mould).
	# '''Harm Reduction/[[Preventionism]] ([[neutral-c]] and [[anti-contact]])'''. The harm reduction approach is often utilized in combination with the above approach, particularly among neutral and anti-c MAPs who otherwise support the rights of youth. CSA is acknowledged as lived experience, and some individuals, i.e preventionists such as [[Virtuous Pedophiles]] emphasize that MAPs are natural partners in preventing CSA. Central to this argument is that fighting stigma and poor mental health helps prevent abuse. More "neutral" approaches center the experience of the MAP, and their right to live in truth and dignity, regardless of what values and causes they support (it can be pointed out that many abusers are [[Wikipedia:Situational offender\|situational offenders]] and not MAPs).		# '''Harm Reduction/[[Preventionism]] ([[neutral-c]] and [[anti-contact]])'''. The harm reduction approach is often utilized in combination with the above approach, particularly among neutral and anti-c MAPs who otherwise support the rights of youth. CSA is acknowledged as lived experience, and some individuals, i.e preventionists such as [[Virtuous Pedophiles]] emphasize that MAPs are natural partners in preventing CSA. Central to this argument is that fighting stigma and poor mental health helps prevent abuse. More "neutral" approaches center the experience of the MAP, and their right to live in truth and dignity, regardless of what values and causes they support (it can be pointed out that many abusers are [[Wikipedia:Situational offender\|situational offenders]] and not MAPs).

Jim Burton: /* External Links */

2025-04-08T14:40:14Z

External Links

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	*[[Minor-adult sex]]		*[[Minor-adult sex]]

	==External ~~Links~~==		==External links==

	*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_sexual_abuse CSA] - [[Wikipedia censorship of MAP related topics\|Wikipedia]] presents a victimological perspective.		*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Child_sexual_abuse CSA] - [[Wikipedia censorship of MAP related topics\|Wikipedia]] presents a victimological perspective.

Jim Burton at 14:39, 8 April 2025

2025-04-08T14:39:29Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:39, 8 April 2025
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	CSA as a construct, was popularized by American [[moral entrepreneur]]s, [[Sexual Abuse\|sexual abuse]]/trauma researchers and [[feminism\|feminist]] theorists of the late 1970s and early 80s. This influence, has since percolated thru western law, medicine and other sciences such as psychology, into popular culture.		CSA as a construct, was popularized by American [[moral entrepreneur]]s, [[Sexual Abuse\|sexual abuse]]/trauma researchers and [[feminism\|feminist]] theorists of the late 1970s and early 80s. This influence, has since percolated thru western law, medicine and other sciences such as psychology, into popular culture.

	While modern CSA theory is arguably rooted in [[Feminism\|feminist]] critiques of power-difference, it also owes a lot to long-held conceptions of childhood as a unique and special period of life, and moral/religious views on sexuality as a topic which can be analyzed and governed through the lens of "valid" and "invalid" subtypes. Much of the early amplification of CSA-adjacent discourse can be ascribed to religious and moral entrepreneurs such as [[Judianne Densen-Gerber]] and [[Lawrence Padzer]].<ref>http://www.ipt-forensics.com/journal/volume18/j18_4.htm</ref>		While modern CSA theory is arguably rooted in [[Feminism\|feminist]] critiques of power-difference, it also owes a lot to long-held conceptions of childhood as a unique and special period of life, and moral/religious views on sexuality as a topic which can be analyzed and governed through the lens of "valid" and "invalid" subtypes. Much of the early amplification of CSA-adjacent discourse can be ascribed to religious and moral entrepreneurs such as [[Judianne Densen-Gerber]] and [[Lawrence Padzer]].<ref>[http://www.ipt-forensics.com/journal/volume18/j18_4.htm Child Sexual Abuse: The Sources of Anxiety Making and the Negative Effects - Veraa]</ref>

	MAPs as a group have embraced different approaches towards engaging with and addressing the CSA survivor discourse:		MAPs as a group have embraced different approaches towards engaging with and addressing the CSA survivor discourse:
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	==Experts debunking CSA==		==Experts debunking CSA==

	As mentioned, [[Bruce Rind]] is perhaps the one researcher who has statistically challenged the concept of CSA<ref>http://www.ipce.info/ipceweb/Library/reg_r.htm Ipce - Rind Index</ref> with a thorough, controlled analysis of its assumed characteristics and their relationships with one another. His work can be said to have credibility, while also carrying a burden of notoriety and stigma, hence why it is important to highlight other researchers, including those who have supported him in the following sections.		As mentioned, [[Bruce Rind]] is perhaps the one researcher who has statistically challenged the concept of CSA<ref>[http://www.ipce.info/ipceweb/Library/reg_r.htm Ipce - Rind Index]</ref> with a thorough, controlled analysis of its assumed characteristics and their relationships with one another. His work can be said to have credibility, while also carrying a burden of notoriety and stigma, hence why it is important to highlight other researchers, including those who have supported him in the following sections.

	==See also==		==See also==

Jim Burton: /* Can CSA be deemed theoretically valid? */

2025-04-08T14:35:54Z

Can CSA be deemed theoretically valid?

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	Among the most provocative contentions of radical pro-c's, is that the above circular arguments ''live-real'', as a series of [[self-fulfilling prophecy\|self-fulfilling prophecies]] such as the consenting juvenile (often a female) who goes on to earnestly believe she is a victim of rape, due to misogynistic sex stigma.		Among the most provocative contentions of radical pro-c's, is that the above circular arguments ''live-real'', as a series of [[self-fulfilling prophecy\|self-fulfilling prophecies]] such as the consenting juvenile (often a female) who goes on to earnestly believe she is a victim of rape, due to misogynistic sex stigma.

	Assuming the above, it might be contended that this unfortunate circumstance is best described as sexual abuse of a child, by way of moral conflicts capitalized upon by special-interest lobbies and elite interests, ''at the expense'' of a person's capacity to feel erotic pleasure. At the same time, we are left guessing who the ''abuser'' might be, and whether all the parties (the adult partner, the children's parents, law enforcement, therapists) should be described as abusers, since they all had some knowledge of what they were doing and the risks it entailed.		Assuming the above, it might be contended that this unfortunate circumstance is best described as sexual abuse of a child, by way of moral conflicts capitalized upon by special-interest lobbies and elite interests, ''at the expense'' of a person's capacity to feel erotic pleasure. At the same time, we are left guessing who the ''abuser'' might be, and whether all the parties (the adult partner, the children's parents, law enforcement, therapists) should be described as abusers, since they all had some knowledge of what they were doing and the risks it entailed. One conclusion to this dilemma might be to acknowledge that social values and institutions are also culpable, as these events do not take place in a vacuum.

	==Experts debunking CSA==		==Experts debunking CSA==

Jim Burton: /* Can CSA be deemed theoretically valid? */

2025-04-08T14:32:55Z

Can CSA be deemed theoretically valid?

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:32, 8 April 2025
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	Among the most provocative contentions of radical pro-c's, is that the above circular arguments ''live-real'', as a series of [[self-fulfilling prophecy\|self-fulfilling prophecies]] such as the consenting juvenile (often a female) who goes on to earnestly believe she is a victim of rape, due to misogynistic sex stigma.		Among the most provocative contentions of radical pro-c's, is that the above circular arguments ''live-real'', as a series of [[self-fulfilling prophecy\|self-fulfilling prophecies]] such as the consenting juvenile (often a female) who goes on to earnestly believe she is a victim of rape, due to misogynistic sex stigma.

	Assuming the above, it might be contended that this unfortunate circumstance is best described as sexual abuse of a child, by way of moral conflicts capitalized upon by special-interest lobbies and elite interests, ''at the expense'' of a person's capacity to feel erotic pleasure.		Assuming the above, it might be contended that this unfortunate circumstance is best described as sexual abuse of a child, by way of moral conflicts capitalized upon by special-interest lobbies and elite interests, ''at the expense'' of a person's capacity to feel erotic pleasure. At the same time, we are left guessing who the ''abuser'' might be, and whether all the parties (the adult partner, the children's parents, law enforcement, therapists) should be described as abusers, since they all had some knowledge of what they were doing and the risks it entailed.

	==Experts debunking CSA==		==Experts debunking CSA==

Jim Burton at 14:26, 8 April 2025

2025-04-08T14:26:51Z

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	===Sociological Background===		===Sociological Background===

			:''See: [[Moral panic]].''

	Since CSA became a popular idea and identity, a generalized [[moral panic]] has ensued, peaking with a variety of more specific mass hysterias (such as [[Satanic Ritual Abuse]] in the 80s/90s), and continuity themes ([[Institutional Child Sexual Abuse]] in the 00s and 10s). This moral panic is one of three distinguishable panics concerning adult-youth sexual contacts since the industrial revolution, and we are at the beginning of a fourth. As applied to Minor Attracted People (particularly [[pedophilia\|pedophiles]]), the idea of CSA represents a key development in the late pathologization and early problematization stages of the problem-cycle:		Since CSA became a popular idea and identity, a generalized [[moral panic]] has ensued, peaking with a variety of more specific mass hysterias (such as [[Satanic Ritual Abuse]] in the 80s/90s), and continuity themes ([[Institutional Child Sexual Abuse]] in the 00s and 10s). This moral panic is one of three distinguishable panics concerning adult-youth sexual contacts since the industrial revolution, and we are at the beginning of a fourth. As applied to Minor Attracted People (particularly [[pedophilia\|pedophiles]]), the idea of CSA represents a key development in the late pathologization and early problematization stages of the problem-cycle:
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	#'''''Problematization''''' (explosion of discourses and taxonomies ''such as CSA'', late 70s+)		#'''''Problematization''''' (explosion of discourses and taxonomies ''such as CSA'', late 70s+)
	#'''Normalization''' (starting early 21st Century). [[MAPocalypse\|Normalization of pedophilia]] describes a fear that society will one day come to accept MAPs, and is a predominantly 21st Century phenomenon.		#'''Normalization''' (starting early 21st Century). [[MAPocalypse\|Normalization of pedophilia]] describes a fear that society will one day come to accept MAPs, and is a predominantly 21st Century phenomenon.

			[[File:Cycle.png\|thumb\|Charting the cycles of panic]]

			In the Victorian Era and following decades, panic set in around the purity of young girls, with crackdowns on prostitution. While not highly influential at the time, the sciences started the process of pathologizing and categorizing deviant forms of sexuality. Then between the 30s and 50s, the state focused on the sexual psychopath and stepped up its legal efforts against homosexuals and gender nonconformists. From the mid-70s, children took center stage - in a phase of problematization that remains partly in effect. From around 2020, a fourth phase began, concerning the ''normalization'' of the "[[Minor Attracted Person]]" and his purported modes of deviance.

	==In focus: Radical criticism of CSA's empirical validity==		==In focus: Radical criticism of CSA's empirical validity==
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	Opponents of this blurring of boundaries argue that lumping these categories together undermines severe abuse and punishes misdemeanor/non-abusive acts, thus doing a disservice to parties with a range of experiences, from the positive, thru the forgettable, to the profoundly traumatic. Indeed, despite the actual definition and literal implications of the term "abuse", very rarely is the issue of [[consent]] or coercion relevant to the term's modern use. That is to say, given the assumption that no child is capable of consenting to sexual activity, any instance of sex with a child is considered child sexual abuse, regardless whether or not the child consented, [[Accounts and Testimonies\|desired or even sought the act]].		Opponents of this blurring of boundaries argue that lumping these categories together undermines severe abuse and punishes misdemeanor/non-abusive acts, thus doing a disservice to parties with a range of experiences, from the positive, thru the forgettable, to the profoundly traumatic. Indeed, despite the actual definition and literal implications of the term "abuse", very rarely is the issue of [[consent]] or coercion relevant to the term's modern use. That is to say, given the assumption that no child is capable of consenting to sexual activity, any instance of sex with a child is considered child sexual abuse, regardless whether or not the child consented, [[Accounts and Testimonies\|desired or even sought the act]].

	~~[[File:Cycle.png\|thumb\|Charting the cycles of panic]]~~

	~~==Timeline of a panic==~~

	~~:''See: [[Moral panic]].''~~

	The broader moral panic surrounding behaviors now defined as CSA took place in four distinct phases. In the Victorian Era and following decades, panic set in around the purity of young girls, with crackdowns on prostitution. While not highly influential at the time, the sciences started the process of pathologizing and categorizing deviant forms of sexuality. Then between the 30s and 50s, the state focused on the sexual psychopath and stepped up its legal efforts against homosexuals and gender nonconformists. From the mid-70s, children took center stage - in a phase of problematization that remains partly in effect. From around 2020, a fourth phase began, concerning the ''normalization'' of the "[[Minor Attracted Person]]" and his purported modes of deviance.

	==Can CSA be deemed ''theoretically'' valid?==		==Can CSA be deemed ''theoretically'' valid?==