COCSA: What Led to My Teen Sexually Acting Out?

Trigger warning - This podcast contains an in-depth discussion about Child-on-Child Sexual Abuse (COCSA) and may be triggering for people who've experienced a sexual assault. If you are a victim of rape or sexual abuse and need assistance please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673).

All mentions of a clinical polygraph are used for therapeutic purposes only and are not intended or designed for legal use.

Please remember that this podcast is not a replacement for therapy, nor do we provide legal advice. Please always seek a mental health professional and lawyer for your personal situation.

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Did you just find out that your child has sexually abused a sibling, family member, or another child? This is a nightmare scenario for any parent and one that no parent is prepared to handle on their own. In this episode, therapist Tiffany Silva Herlin, LCSW, and Shawn Brooks, the executive director of Oxbow Academy, discuss:

1. How to navigate some common reactions parents may have in this situation, including:

• Recognizing how your own triggers and trauma may cloud your judgment
• Find third-party help to create safety if you’re unable to manage due to you’re own trauma

2. How to navigate some common emotions parents may have in this situation, including:

• Guilt and Shame
• Immense Anger
• Mixed emotions of the love for the perpetrator and their sibling who was victimized
• Grief
• Desire to shield anger and emotions from their kids

3. The importance of getting therapy for yourself and your kids as you all strive to heal from childhood sexual abuse.

4. Why is this happening? What led my teen to act out sexually with another child?

• Graphic & Abusive Pornography use
• Lack of healthy sexual education
• Thinking errors
• ASD & Hypersexuality
• ADHD & Impulsivity
• Bipolar Disorder
• OCD & intrusive sexual thoughts
• Attachment issues

If you just discovered that your teenage son has sexually abused a sibling or another child, please give us a call at 855-676-4272 or visit OxbowAcademy.net to see how we can help your family.