According to Love Our Children USA, 98,000 children every year receive treatment for sexual abuse. Love Our Children USA reports that infants often develop problems because of the psychological or physical ability to cope with the molestation. There are different warning signs of molestation that all parents and caregivers should be aware of when caring for a baby.
Genitalia Signs
Trauma or damage to the genital area can be a sign of sexual abuse. According to Safer Child Inc., an important clue that your baby has been molested is if you find bruising, swelling or bleeding in the genital area. This type of clue is often noticed during a diaper change or when bathing the child. Although there are some other medical reasons your baby might have small amounts of blood in his diaper, including diaper rash or bleeding from a circumcision, bleeding along with swelling and bruising is not normal. Make sure you try to observe your child's body when performing these tasks, especially if you have any concerns of this nature. A Safer Child reports that parallel or round bruises, perhaps in the shape of fingers or bruises, in different stages of healing can be excellent clues. In addition, Safer Child also reports the genital area may also have a discharge or the child may have pain when he urinates or has a bowel movement. Never overlook this clue; immediately take your baby to a pediatrician for evaluation.
Crying
A molested baby will often cry excessively. According to Safer Child, crying can come about without any annoyance. The baby may be especially upset when in the care of the molester and may begin crying immediately in her presence. Yes, babies do cry and some even cry much more than others do. However, if you notice a pattern or your infant crying excessively around a particular caregiver you should never leave her alone with that caregiver because the crying could represent more than attachment issues.
Behavior
Love Our Children USA reports that a baby may experience an uncommon wariness of other people or new situations. He may become very upset if he thinks his parents are leaving him, and no amount of reassurance will appease the child. This can be a clue that is a little tougher to discern from a baby attached to his parents. In addition, Safer Child reports that sexually abused babies may exhibit such signs as lying very still when being played with or examined by a physician. This may not be a likely sign that some parents would notice but an alert physician might observe this slight sign.
