Because of their age and maturity level, children under the age of 18 cannot consent to sexual activity. According to the American Psychological Association, child sexual abuse is defined as any interactions between an adult and child that result in the sexual arousal of the abuser or an onlooker. Child sex abuse crosses all cultural, ethnic and social boundaries and can affect children in a variety of ways and settings.
Step 1
Watch for warning signs the child may exhibit if you suspect she has been molested. According to the American Psychological Association, children usually act out in significant ways with increased anxiety or sudden outbursts of anger. She may begin to have nightmares. Children who have been sexually abused may have difficulty sitting down or refuse to take off their clothes in front of anyone.
Step 2
Pay attention to the behavior of the caregiver as well and watch for signs of change that could initiate further investigation. Caregivers abusing children may become overly protective of the child and seem to be more secretive than usual. Caregivers may become more emotional and talk openly about difficulties in their own marriage or with other relationships.
Step 3
Keep an open mind and remain calm when your child tells you of inappropriate behavior by her caregiver. Listen and reassure your child that she is not in trouble and there is no need to feel ashamed.
Step 4
Make an appointment with your child's primary care physician to determine if physical abuse has taken place and to make sure that your child is protected against any further complications. Doctors are bound by patient confidentiality but legally must report suspected child abuse to the authorities.
Step 5
Call the police or an anonymous hotline to report your suspicions. According to Helpguide, even if you don't have proof of the molestation, you should follow your instincts because the effects of child sexual abuse are lifelong and difficult to overcome.
Step 6
Take your child to a counselor soon after you learn about the instance to begin work on getting him past the emotionally scarring experience. According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, while you want to respect your child's privacy, you need to get him outside help. Additionally, the entire family should be involved in some level of therapy to prevent additional problems that could result in blaming and guilt.
Tips and Warnings
- Abusers often work hard to win the trust of children as well as frequently threatening the child or her family if exposed. Educate children early about appropriate behavior they should expect from adults. Explain to kids about their private parts and how no one is allowed to touch them or make them feel uncomfortable in any way. Make sure that your children know that they will not get in trouble if they tell you about any activities in which they were made to feel uncomfortable.
- While children of all ages are at risk of sexual abuse, children over the age of 12 are at the greatest risk of being victimized. According to the American Psychological Association, girls are more likely to be sexually molested by a family member while boys are more at risk of abuse by someone outside the family, such as a caregiver. While you need to get your child to tell you details of the experience, the American Psychological Association advises parents to tread lightly and make sure they don't put words in their child's mouth in order to keep the record clear when charges are filed.
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