At times the activities can become more aggressive or violent. These acts may involve pinching genital areas or rubbing repeatedly with a washcloth. 3 Reports of the psychological impact on children vary. Some reports contend that because of the emphasis society places on the role of women as protectors and nurturers, the impact of abuse by women may be great. At least one report describes a post-trauma reaction that parallels the rape trauma syndrome described by Burgess and Holmstrom.
Some studies report that the victims feel betrayed and shameful.
3 Other reports reveal that both male and female victims report no psychological trauma and that the denial is higher in male victims. An older woman who assaults a male adolescent is often a person in a position of power, such as a mother, aunt, or teacher, and he usually does not report the encounter. He may deny he was molested or not label it a rape. Whether this crime is as serious as when it involves an older man and a female adolescent is still debated. This double standard can cause great confusion.