Child Sexual Abuse Early Detection & Prevention
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We have no greater charge than to protect the children.
We have no greater charge than to protect the children.
Child Sexual Abuse Signs & Early Prevention
The majority of child sexual abuse occurs at the hands of a family member or friend. Abuse by strangers is far less common.
To protect all children it’s important to learn the facts. It is estimated that at least two out of every ten girls and one out of every ten boys are sexually abused by the end of their 13th year.
Family members have the most power of anybody to save the children. Each and every time you tell your family members and friends about the facts regarding child molestation, and what we can do to stop it you are helping to protect and possibly save a child.
Learning how to spot possible signs and risks gives you the chance to ask questions, to get help and the critical opportunity to prevent harm a child.
There are obvious as well as subtle signs that a child is at risk of being sexually abused.
While no one sign indicates that a child or adolescent has been sexually abused, the presence of several signs suggests that you should be concerned and must seek help.
It is important to note that some of these signs may present themselves during particularly stressful times, such as death of a loved one, or divorce – and may not be related to sexual abuse.
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Seems likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues
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Draws, dreams, plays or writes of sexual or frightening images
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Exhibits new or unusual fear of certain people or places
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Nightmares or sleep problems.
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Distant or distracted.
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Sudden change in eating habits. Loss of appetite or conversely, a huge spike in appetite. Swallowing problems.
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Withdrawal, sudden mood swings (rage, fear, insecurity or withdrawal)
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Refuses to talk about a secret shared with an adult or older child
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Talks about a new “older” friend
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Suddenly has money, toys or other gifts
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Refers to self or body as dirty, repulsive, or bad
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Exhibits adult-like sexual behaviors, language and knowledge.
Younger Children
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Encourages or asks other children to behave sexually or play sexual games
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Acts out adult-like sexual behaviors with toys.
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Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training
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Older child behaving like a younger child (such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking)
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Has new words for private body parts
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Refuses or resists removing clothes when appropriate (during bath, bed, toileting, diapering)
Adolescents
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Threatening to or running away from home
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Depression, anxiety, suicide attempts
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Fear of closeness or intimacy
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Eating or dieting disorder
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Self inflicted injuries (cutting, burning)
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Refusing to bath, brush teeth or other personal hygiene
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Drug and alcohol abuse
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Sexual promiscuity
Physical Signs
Physical signs of sexual abuse are rare. However, if you see any signs that are suspicious, take your child to a doctor immediately. Your doctor can help you understand what may be happening.
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Pain, discoloration, bleeding or discharges in genitals, anus or mouth
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Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training
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Persistent or recurring pain during urination and bowel movements
By understanding what puts a child at risk of sexual abuse, you can take steps and action counter those risks.
Educate
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Each family member should know what healthy sexual development in children is, and what sexual behaviors might be of concern.
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Discuss how to recognize warning signs that a child may have been sexually abused or that an adult, adolescent or child may be touching a child in a sexual way. Some abusive behaviors may not involve touching; for example showing pornography to a child is abusive, even if the child is not touched.
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Teach children the proper names for body parts and what to do if someone tries to touch them in a sexual way.
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Make sure young children know that no one has the right to touch their private parts (unless for medical reasons) and that they should not touch anyone else’s private parts.
Communicate
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Discuss what healthy sexual behavior is and what abusive sexual behavior is.
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Revisit conversations with all family members—children, teenagers and adults— about appropriate and inappropriate sexualized behaviors to ensure that everyone “gets it”.
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Let everyone know that it is OK to ask questions or concerns at any time.
Set Clear Boundaries
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SET BOUNDARIES of what is appropriate behavior and what behavior is NOT ACCEPTED!
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Discuss these boundaries with each family member and with any other adults who spends time around or supervise the children.
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Listen to the children. REALLY LISTEN & OBSERVE. If a child is uncomfortable around a particular adult do not make them! If a child does not want to hug or kiss someone hello or goodbye, then let them know it is OK to shake hands instead. A child should never be made to sit on a strangers lap or show affection towards anyone they are not comfortable with.
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As a child matures, boundaries will need to change. Parents should lead by example: ie: knocking on door before entering the room of an adolescent, unless in an emergency.
Get “Safe” Adults Involved
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A child or adolescent needs a safe responsible and consistent adult they can talk with and turn to. Research shows that a child that has someone they can confide in plays a key role in how well a child will bounce back from stressful events. This is critical.
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Even a close friend or relative may not be a safe person to trust with your child.
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If someone seems “too good to be true,” maybe they are. Ask questions.
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If you are concerned about the inappropriate or sexualized behaviors of a family member talk with that person and let them person know you care enough to assist them in getting help. Do not allow that person to be alone with your child.
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Bring any suspicious behavior to the attention of other family member.
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Identify one or more in the family that you can reach out for support. Do not stay isolated.
Do not think the problem will go away by itself. It won’t. Talk to family members and make them aware of the situation
Make a list of resources you can call for advice. Learn about the agencies in your area.
Know who to contact to make a report if you know or suspect that a child has been sexually abused.
We have no greater charge in life than to protect children.
Advice, Children Issues, How To, One Village, Relationships, Topics
