Psychology of child sexual abuse

RINGGOLD, Georgia(WDEF) – Recent coverage of a criminal case involving a man accused of sexually abusing a 6-year old boy has shed light on the psychology of that type of crime.

The mother of the 6-year old boy who was reportedly molested by Cody Harris, 19,  said signs of sexual abuse included a sudden change in behavior and even attempted suicide.

"The fits of rage started. He would kick holes in the wall and threaten to kill me," she said.

The abuse reportedly occurred at an apartment on Anderson Road.

WDEF contacted Mental Health professionals at the Henegar CBI Counseling Center in Chattanooga. Licensed Counselor, Meaghan Warnock talked about how most sex offenders start off.

"Most offenders have been sexually abused themselves at some point in their life. Even if they haven’t been sexually abused, they were probably neglected, suffered physical abuse or emotional abuse in some way."

Warnock also talked about the road to recovery for many victims, especially victims like the 6-year old who suffered both physical and mental harm.

"There needs to be as predictable an environment as possible for a child to recover in that situation and then obviously going through trauma focus therapy," Warnock said.

According to recent statistics, 1 in 3 girls are sexually abused before they reach the age of 18 while 1 in 4 boys are sexually abused before that same age.  But  not every case involving boys is reported.

"There’s such a stigma in a boy being victimized as opposed to being the offender. It’s so important that we focus on young boys and the things they’re going through because they might less likely come forward and talk to somebody about what they experienced," Warnock said.

In the recent case involving the 6-year old, a change in behavior led to the boy telling his parents what happened to him.

The boy’s alleged abuser, Cody Harris remains in jail without bond.