Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

sexually transmitted infection 
(STI)
A disease acquired through 
sexual contact.
FIGURE 5
Studies have found that the sexual abuse of children often is committed by a 
person who knows the child, with almost a third of the abusers being family members. 
(Source: Finkelhor, 2002.)
VICTIMS
Every year, 500,000 children in the United States are 
sexually abused. The peak age of vulnerability is 7 to 13.
ABUSERS
70 to 90 
percent of 
abuse is 
committed
by a person 
who knows 
the child.
1 or 2 of every 20 boys will be abused during childhood.
4 of every 20 girls will be abused.
70%
90%
10% of abusers 
are women
90% are men
88% 
of childhood
rape cases go
unreported
Family members make up
one-third to one-half of
abusers of girls, and 10 to 
20 percent of abusers of boys.
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Module 34 
The Diversity of Sexual Behavior 
373
and an unpleasant odor. The 5 million cases reported each year can be 
treated with antibiotics.
• Gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is one of the STIs that has been recognized the longest 
by scientists. It often has no symptoms but can produce a burning sensation 
during urination or a discharge from the penis or vagina. The infection 
can lead to fertility problems and, in women, pelvic infl ammatory 
disease. Although antibiotics usually can cure gonorrhea, a number of 
drug-resistant strains of the disease are growing, making treatment more 
diffi cult.
• Syphilis. If untreated, syphilis may affect the brain, the heart, and a develop-
ing fetus. It can even be fatal. Syphilis fi rst reveals itself through a small 
sore at the point of sexual contact. In its secondary stage, it may include a 
rash. Syphilis can be treated successfully with antibiotics if it is diagnosed 
early enough.
• Genital warts. Another common STI is genital warts (caused by the human 
papilloma virus ). Genital warts are small, lumpy warts that form on or near 
the penis or vagina. The warts are easy to diagnose because of their distinctive 
appearance: They look like small caulifl ower bulbs. They usually form 
about two months after exposure and can be treated with a drug called 
metronidazole.
• AIDS. In the last two decades, no sexually transmitted infection has had a 
greater impact on sexual behavior—and society as a whole—than