By D. E. Smoot
Phoenix Staff Writer
May 11, 2007 12:38 am
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The arrests this week of two men accused of molesting three underage girls is indicative of a trend of an increased number of child sexual abuse cases.
Statistics compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services show that while the number of confirmed cases of child sexual abuse in Oklahoma dipped in 2003 to 1,479, that number increased to 1,727 in 2005. That’s an increase of about 16 percent in a three-year period.
The cases range from instances of fondling and rape to the procurement of pornography. Regardless of the type of sexual abuse, all instances are traumatic and impact victims and their families.
Sgt. A.J. Rudd of the Muskogee Police Department said the arrests this week of Floyd Wayne Ward, 54, of Hulbert and Robert Bowlin, 63, of Muskogee are just the two most recent cases of a list that keeps growing.
Ward is accused of molesting two girls who were younger than 16. The alleged sexual abuse allegedly began in October 2005 and continued until April.
Bowlin, who has yet to be charged, is accused of molesting a 4-year-old relative. Rudd said the parents of Bowlin’s alleged victim told police they first noticed their daughter’s genitalia was red and irritated about a month ago. Inappropriate comments made by the girl later provided a clue to the alleged molester’s identity.
“We’re seeing an increase in the number of sex crimes being committed against children,” Rudd said. “It’s really important that parents talk to their kids and educate them about this type of activity.”
Rudd said it is difficult to tell whether the increasing number of cases involving sexual abuse is due to increased activity or a heightened awareness of the problem. Either way, Rudd said, an open line of communication between parents and their children will go a long way in protecting children.
Experts say good parent-child communication is the most important step in protecting a child against sexual abuse.
And Rudd acknowledges that talking with children about sexual abuse can be difficult.
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, parents can bridge that communication gap and prevent or lessen the chance of sexual abuse by:
• Telling children that if someone tries to touch their bodies and do things that make them uncomfortable, say no to that person and tell the parent immediately.
• Teaching children that respect does not mean blind obedience to adults and to authority.
• Encouraging professional prevention programs in the local school system.
Rudd said child sexual abuse cases are some of the hardest cases to investigate and take to trial due to the delicate way they have to be handled.
“They are really sensitive,” Rudd said about the tender-aged victims. “And they have to be treated in a sensitive manner to prevent further traumatization.”
To prevent traumatization, Rudd urged parents to “educate their children and not to take anything for granted.”
Ward, who faces three counts of lewd molestation, is being held on a $100,000 bond in the Muskogee County/City Detention Facility. Bowlin is being held without bond in the Muskogee County/City Detention Facility on complaints of sexual assault and lewd acts to a minor.
What to look for
Sexually abused children may develop the following:
• Unusual interest in or avoidance of all things of a sexual nature.
• Sleep problems or nightmares.
• Depression or withdrawal from friends or family.
• Seductiveness.
• Statements that their bodies are dirty or damaged, or fear that there is something wrong with them in the genital area.
• Refusal to go to school.
• Delinquency and conduct problems.
• Secretiveness.
• Aspects of sexual molestation in drawings, games and fantasies.
• Unusual aggressiveness or suicidal behavior.
Source: The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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Photos
Bowlin
Ward