Spotting sexual abuse in children is not always easy. The abusers often take several steps to cover up their actions. However, some signs may be easier to spot than others.
Whichever the case, pay attention to your instincts. Should you notice something that does not feel right, like someone in the child’s life making you feel uncomfortable, watch out for any signs of abuse even when you cannot put the finger on it yet.
A single sign may not necessarily mean that a child has been abused, but showing several suggests you start asking questions and consider getting assistance.
To help you make a clear distinction, let’s look at five vital signs of child sexual abuse.
1. Physical Changes In Their Body
Any bleeding, infection, abrasions, skin tears, irritation, or swelling in a child’s genitals or anus should be a cause for concern; report it to the child’s pediatrician for examination for possible reasons. You should look out for any unexplained injuries in a child’s mouth.
For young infants and babies, any calloused or roughened area between the child’s buttocks may be a sign of the chronic rubbing of the area during sexual abuse.
Confirming a sexually transmitted disease or pregnancy is a powerful sign that the child was sexually abused. Seek further help should you notice penile or vaginal discharge, which is at times accompanied by an unusual odor.
2. Behavioral Changes in the Child
Changes in a teen or child’s behavior can be clues that they have been sexually abused. However, like the physical changes, they may result from other events and stresses.
Nevertheless, vigilant caretakers and parents should be aware of these symptoms commonly reported in children who have been sexually abused:
- They are having nightmares or night terrors.
- Fear of physical contact, especially touch.
- They are doing or saying sexual things seemingly inappropriate for their age.
- Running away from home
- Self-harm such as cutting or burning
- Shame about puberty or menstruation
- Avoiding certain places or people
- Suicidal thoughts
3. Strong Emotional Changes
Emotional changes can be easily overlooked if one doesn’t pay attention. More minor children may exhibit the following symptoms.
- Cries for no apparent reason
- Starts to soil their pants or wet the bed
- It is more distant and quieter than usual
- Says their tummy or head hurts while there does not seem to be any physical cause
- Is clingy
Teens may exhibit the following emotional changes:
- Low self-esteem
- They seem aggressive or angry for no apparent cause
- Becomes angry when a particular place or person is mentioned
- Has nightmares
- They are confused about their sexuality and sexual identity.
4. An Adult Grooming The Child
Child grooming is a process where an adult deliberately gradually initiates and further maintains sexual relationships with children in secrecy. In general view, grooming appears as a simple close relationship between the offender and the child they are targeting and their parents or caregivers. Intervene when you notice the following examples of grooming red flags:
- Gift giving
- Special preference or attention to a child
- Sympathetic listener
- Offers to assist the family
- Gaining access to the child via the internet
- Hugging or touching the child
5. The Child Tells You They are Being Abused
While it may not be common, sometimes a child may tell you they are being abused. Sometimes children leave clues that are left unheard. For example, a child may communicate that they do not like being left alone with a particular person or might tell you that a specific person acts funny to them.
Pay attention to any subtle comments a child might be making that may point toward suspicious behavior.
Child Sexual Abuse Is a Serious Matter
While you may notice the signs of abuse when a child has already been abused, all hope is not lost. Knowing the warning signs can help protect a child from further misuse that may lead to significant life complications. It will also help a child get therapy and any treatment early enough.
The above signs may not always mean that a child is being abused, but if they do the show, take precautions and do the necessary investigation.
