Signs of Sexual Abuse
Because most children do not tell about their abuse, it is up to the adults to recognize the signs of abuse. Physical evidence is rare. So, we must look for signs in the behavior and appearance or our children. Unfortunately, there is not one behavior alone that determines if a child is being sexually assaulted. It is usually a combination of several behaviors such as:
Because most children do not tell about their abuse, it is up to the adults to recognize the signs of abuse. Physical evidence is rare. So, we must look for signs in the behavior and appearance or our children. Unfortunately, there is not one behavior alone that determines if a child is being sexually assaulted. It is usually a combination of several behaviors such as:
- Physical complaints
- Sudden fear or dislike of a person or place
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- School problems
- Withdrawal from family or friends
- Excessive bathing or poor hygiene
- Regression to younger behavior
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Changes in eating habits
- Drug or alcohol problems
- Low self esteem
- Suicide attempts or threats
- Sexual activity or pregnancy at an early age
How Can We Educate Children?
- Talk to your kids about sexual abuse. A child needs to be empowered with the ability to say "no" and given the security they will be believed.
- Teach your children the difference between good touch, bad touch and unsafe touch. Bathing suit areas are a great way to explain this to young children.
- Teach your children that safety rules apply to all adults not just strangers.
- Teach them their bodies belong to them and no one has the right to touch them.
- Tell them to report to you if any adult asks them to keep a secret.
What To Do If a Child Says They are Being Abused:
If a child tells you about abuse, you are in an important position to help that child. Remember, many children never tell.
- Remain calm. Remember that you are not angry with the child.
- Believe the child.
- Give positive messages: "I am very proud of you for telling."
- Calmly explain that what has happened to them is not their fault.
- Be responsible: Report the incident to the proper authorities.
- Get help for the child
Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse: Some Suggestions:
- You are a survivor not a victim.
- Recovery is a choice.
- Build a support system
- Remember, suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems.
- There are 12 steps for a reason, work them all, even the hard ones.
- Journaling is freedom.
- Design a safe place, you deserve one
- Laughter helps smooth out the rough edges on the path of recovery.
- One day at a time is all we can really handle. Stay in today and enjoy the process.
- You have to let go of yesterday to get to tomorrow.
- Ask for what you need.
- Do some inner child work. It's worth it.
- Remember the goal, peace.
- If you do not know God, now is a good time to becomes friends!
- Recovery is a process. Be gentle with yourself.
