Child Victims of Sexual Violence

At Marie-Vincent, children and adolescents aged 0 to 17 who have been victims of sexual violence receive specialized services tailored to their needs.

These services are centralized under one roof and provided by a team of qualified professionals who make up our clinical team in collaboration with our police, medical, and socio-judicial partners.

If a child or adolescent discloses sexual assault, consult the page:

How to React in Case of Doubt or Disclosure

What Is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence encompasses all forms of physical or psychological violence that are sexual in nature.

It can take various forms, including:

sexual assault with or without physical contact;
sexual exploitation;
online sexual violence;
child luring;
female genital mutilation;
child prostitution or pimping.

Research shows that children who are victims of sexual assault exhibit more post-traumatic stress, dissociation, internalized disorders (anxiety, depression) and externalized disorders (anger, aggression), as well as emotional, academic, and relational difficulties. They also have an increased risk of impaired executive functions.

During adolescence, externalized behaviours are more commonly observed, along with increased suicidal ideation and greater vulnerability to violence in romantic relationships. Persistent feelings of shame, guilt, and helplessness may also continue.

Reference: Hébert, M., Robichaud, M., Amédée, L. M. & Smith, K. (2020). Assessment Toolkit for Child and Adolescent Victims of Sexual Assault. Marie-Vincent Interuniversity Research Chair on Sexual Abuse of Children, Université du Québec à Montréal.

Learn more about sexual violence

How to Access Marie-Vincent’s Services

To find out who can be referred to our services and how to proceed, consult the section:

How to Access Our Services

Services Provided to Child Victims of Sexual Violence

Marie-Vincent offers a specialized intervention program based on a cognitive-behavioural approach. Interventions can be provided individually or in groups, depending on the child’s needs.

This support promotes:

expression and understanding of emotions;
emotional regulation;
expression of experiences related to sexual assault;
identification and modification of erroneous beliefs about sexuality;
acquisition of knowledge about sexual assault and sex education;
development of assertiveness and self-protection;
improvement of communication skills.

After support, children generally exhibit:

better self-esteem;
reduced anxiety and depressive symptoms;
reduced avoidance strategies;
reduced post-traumatic stress;
reduced feelings of guilt;
reduced dissociative symptoms.

Source: Marie-Vincent Interuniversity Research Chair on Sexual Abuse of Children

Testimony of Hope

See the support provided by Marie-Vincent through the testimony of Amélie and her mother.

Tools for Parents and Children

Marie-Vincent provides numerous tools to support both children and their parents.

Fact Sheet

Affiche Les parties de mon corps

Guide

Cahier parent-enfant

Ce cahier offre des contenus adaptés au développement des tout-petits pour faciliter la communication sur divers sujets liés à l’éducation à la sexualité. Cet outil offre ainsi la possibilité de se positionner comme adulte de confiance en répondant aux questions d’un∙e jeune enfant et du même coup de prévenir la violence sexuelle.

Book

La bulle de Miro

La bulle de Miro vise à faire comprendre aux enfants ce que sont les frontières interpersonnelles et intimes à travers l’histoire de Miro. Lors d’une journée, tout ceux que Miro rencontre veulent lui faire une caresse, un bisou ou un câlin. Il n’en a pas envie mais ne sait pas comment le dire.

Discover all tools