Therapists talk about abuse scars

One psychologist says the case involves more than just sex for cigarettes.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Young boys who have sex with a male adult face serious emotional problems, two psychologists say.
Dr. Douglas C. Darnall, psychologist at Trumbull County Family Court and PsyCare Center in Liberty, said the children can eventually feel guilt, embarrassment, anger and shame.
Dr. David Chiarella, pediatric psychologist at the Center for Behavioral Medicine at Forum Health Tod Children's Hospital, said the boys can lose their complete sense of power and control and turn inward.
The psychologists made their comments after Hubbard police charged John T. Hudach of Shadow Run Apartments with one count each of rape and disseminating material harmful to juveniles.
What's alleged
Police say Hudach had sex with four 12-year-old boys in his apartment, luring them with cigarettes. More charges will be filed against him, police said.
Although the psychologists could not speak specifically about the Hubbard case, they were able to generally discuss the situation based on their training and experiences, along with some facts about the case.
Darnall explained that when there is sexual contact between an adult male and a boy, it can become extremely traumatizing.
This, he said, could lead to confusion about social boundaries. There can be embarrassment and even possible fear of retribution if the abuse is disclosed.
Eventually, the confusion can become severe, with the child ending up touching children younger than him in an inappropriate manner.
"That's not to say all victims become abusers," Darnall said. "But most people who abuse were abused."
In later years, Darnall said, the abused child many have intrusive thoughts of the abuse, adding to guilt and shame.
Since all children are different, some are responsible and can say "no," he explained. "It boils down to the individual."
12-year-olds
Darnall explained that 12-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong, but lack the skills to get themselves out of certain situations nor do they often realize the consequences of their actions.
"Twelve-year-old boys can be easily manipulated," Darnall asserted. "This is where parents need to monitor and mentor their child on the rules of society."
Parents have this responsibility, he explained, because children don't often have the self-control to make the best judgments.
Police have said that two of the boys are undergoing counseling.
Chiarella said the psychological makeup of a child is important in dealing with the aftereffects of sexual involvement with an adult.
If a child is forced into a traumatic experience, there will be more psychological problems, he said.
Like Darnall, Chiarella said that 12-year-olds know the difference between right and wrong.
Chiarella is of the belief, however, that there is something else going on with the boys rather than exchanging sex for cigarettes.
"There is something deeper, but I don't know what it is," he asserted, noting that the Hubbard situation "didn't happen overnight."
Chiarella bases his belief on a typical 12-year-old knowing the social stigma involved in such activity. That child would know it's not appropriate behavior.
"It seems there was coercion, not entirely willingness" on the part of the boys, Chiarella said. "It's certainly possible that other factors were involved."
Long-term effects
If the sexual relations were forced, he explained, the long-term effects are stress, anxiety, fear of anything and eventual avoidance of others.
"It's going to be pretty tough for those guys," he commented, noting they will need intense counseling in addition to parental involvement.
yovich@vindy.com