The ‘COCSA’ acronym is currently going viral on TikTok with many users using the term in references to assault, find out the full form of the acronym and the meaning and origins behind it below
Besides posting silly dance challenges and other trends, some TikTok users use the platform to raise awareness on important issues and also share their own experiences.
COCSA meaning and full form as term goes viral on TikTok
"They're just kids."
"They're just exploring."Child on child sexual abuse (COCSA) should be taken JUST as seriously.
Let's go through some of the facts.#csa #cocsa #cptsd #ptsd
— Rachel 🐾 (@raloinn) June 7, 2022
😱 me when It took a whole ass tiktok to finally accept the cocsa I experienced was valid and does actually count as sa after telling myself for years it didn’t count bc “he was only 8”.
— ☆*:.｡.cas.｡.:*☆ (@lime_bruise) November 21, 2022
Aside from providing entertainment, social media sites like TikTok also serve as great educational platforms.
Meaning of viral ‘COCSA’ acronym on TikTok explained
‘COCSA’ is an acronym that stands for ‘child on child s*xual abuse’. According to Defend Innocence, COCSA is defined as:
“S*xual activity between children that occurs without consent, without equality (mentally, physically, or in age), or as a result of physical or emotional coercion.”
According to this definition, this type of abuse features a power difference between two children. This difference comes from age, size, or ability, and often goes undetected. As such, TikTok users using the term COCSA on the platform are usually victims who share their experience of abuse while also raising awareness about the issue to others. Users who come across such content, should responded to with respect and understanding.
Why do so many ‘COCSA’ cases go unreported
Most ‘COCSA’ cases go unreported because many children do not report to anyone about abuse by another child. This happens especially when the perpetrator is a sibling or a close relative. There are several reasons why children don’t report such cases. One reason could be that the victim themselves do not realize they are being abused. Another reason could be that they are not comfortable enough or do not find the feelings of telling a parent.
According to Queensland Government, some children also rely on such harmful s*xual behaviours for comfort. These children could surprisingly welcome the interaction or attention in some ways. Moreover, some children would likely have been subjected to silencing strategies preventing them from revealing about the abuse.
How to react to a child disclosing about abuse
Given below are some steps to follow whenever a child personally discloses about COCSA or any other abuse, as directed by the NSPCC:
- Listen carefully to all the details
- Let the victim know that they’ve done the right thing by telling you
- Ensure them that it’s not their fault
- Assure them that you see the situation seriously
- Make sure not to confront the alleged abuser
- Explain the next steps
- Report whatever the child has told as soon as possible
Where and how to report COCSA cases
COCSA cases can be reported to the R*pe Crisis team. Victims can also call 0808 802 9999 for confidential emotional support, which is open from 12pm-2.30pm, 7pm-9.30pm every day throughout the year. They can also call on 08 08 16 89 111 to contact Victim support.
Aside from that, victims or witnesses can also contact RAINN (Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network, National Sexual Hotline). The service is available for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1 (800) 656-4673. They can also choose to call 1 (877) 955-5247 to contact the Department of Defense Safe Helpline for S*xual Assault.