Possible Child Sexual Abuse – Top 3 Signs
As a parent, you do everything possible to protect your child. You watch over them and work hard to keep them safe while they are under your care. You trust that when your child is at school, at church, or participating in activities, adults are making sure that they are out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, there are times when trust is broken, and a child suffers sexual abuse when they are away from home. Child sexual abuse includes such things as inappropriate touching, exposing oneself, taking photos or videos, sexual contact, and more. It isn’t always easy to know when child sexual abuse occurs.
If your child was the victim of child sexual abuse in California, the California child sex abuse lawyer at Beck Law P.C. can help.
3 Possible Child Sexual Abuse Warning Signs: Physical, Behavioral, and Emotional
Children may exhibit various signs that they are the victims of child sexual abuse. Every child is different, so that they may show several, many, or few warning signs. Parents and others need to be watchful for the possible signs that could be present due to sexual abuse.
Physical Signs
A child may have bruising or other signs of trauma to the genital area. They could have blood in their underwear or on their sheets. A child may try to hide their genital area from their parents, such as when you bathe them. A child could have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which is a sure sign that sexual contact has occurred. Symptoms of STIs may include itching, burning, discharge, bleeding, rash, and pain, among other things.
If you suspect child sexual abuse, seek medical attention immediately. An exam will help to determine whether sexual contact was made. Physical signs are only a small portion of the warning signs of child sexual abuse. It is essential to know that many times sexual abuse may occur with no residual physical signs at all.
Behavioral Signs
A child may exhibit behavioral changes as a result of sexual abuse. A child may become less talkative than before or may talk about sexual subjects. A child may prefer to spend more time alone. The child might avoid removing their clothes, such as before a bath. The child may not want to be left alone and could become clingy. The child’s behavior could regress, and the child could start or return to wetting the bed. A child may refuse to go to daycare or school or spend time with someone who could be the abuser.
Emotional Signs
A child who is hiding possible child sexual abuse may show some emotional signs. The child may become moody or aggressive. The child may be fearful more often and might be afraid to sleep alone. A child may experience nightmares. The child could have anxiety or may show a decrease in self-confidence. The child may be more withdrawn and no longer interested in friends and activities. The child could exhibit self-harming behaviors. Remember that the most important things to look for are changes in the typical way a child behaves.
Take Action As Soon As Possible
As a parent or guardian, you are responsible for protecting your child from harm. If you suspect that your child is a victim of sexual abuse, take action immediately. Provide a secure environment where your child feels protected enough to discuss the situation. Assure the child that the actions are not his or her fault and they will not be in trouble for talking about what happened. You must try to identify the perpetrator and keep the child away from them. Contact the police to report the situation. Discuss the matter with a counselor or family therapist to begin the healing process. Talk to an attorney to learn how to take legal action against those who harmed your child.
Whether you live in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego or anywhere in California, talk to our experienced California child sexual abuse attorney at Beck Law to discuss your case today at (707) 576-7175.
