Both Debbie and Michelle say quite often they don't want to get married or date when they are old enough. Michelle still suffers from headaches and doesn't like to walk anywhere alone. (Minnery 1987 pp. 171-174).
Child pornography is an abuse of children because it takes away a child's rights. The abuse of children in pornographic materials does not stop after production. "Child pornography, once it is released, causes an additional round of profound harm to other innocent child victims, who are used by adults or older children in ways depicted in the pornographic materials." (Koop 1987 p.108).
The abuse of children through pornography has been substantiated through a study done by Dr. A. Burgess, Professor of nursing, School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, "She (Dr. Burgess) said that there is now ample evidence to suggest that both adult and child pornography are essential components in the sexual victimization of children." (Scott 1987 p. 153). Most child abusers who use pornography are trying to use children for their own pleasure and for their own purposes. .
Lisa Marucci, who runs the Gatehouse for abused children, has found that abusers first try to "groom" children for participation in sexual acts by showing them child pornography. Child sexual offenders work very hard to break down a child's defenses, the porn desensitizes them and convinces them that this is normal. (Chisholm 2001 14).
Children used for the purposes of making pornographic materials have been manipulated and any child who is forced to view any pornography is also being manipulated.
The use of children in the production of pornography is a form of sexual exploitation . . . . Adult pornography is also used to exploit children. Adults use it to teach children how to perform sexual acts and to legitimize their participation by showing pictures of other children who are "enjoying" the activity. (Minnery 1987 p.324).
