Abusive fathers or male caretakers are often domineering figures in the family, controlling much of what family members say or do. They are also more likely to ignore the occurrence of the abuse if they have a close relationship with the adult male or if they feel that they or their children are in danger of physical violence. Male abusers cite problems in their adult relationships as the reason for engaging in sexual activities with a child. Some men turn to children for fulfillment of their sexual needs when extended illness or sexual dysfunction affects their mate's ability to provide affection or sexual gratification. In some cases the female partner may know about the abuse but choose to ignore it to keep the family together.
Society often labels sexual activity perpetrated by women as affectionate or appropriate.
As primary caretakers, women generally have greater physical contact because they bathe and diaper young children. Effects of Sexual Abuse Incest and sexual abuse are extremely disruptive to the development of a child. The effects of abuse are more severe when the child is victimized at an early age. The child who is not old enough to understand that sexual abuse is wrong becomes vulnerable to sexual exploitation by others later in life. Sexually abused adolescents often suffer from low self-esteem.