The National Institutes of Health report that a child is most likely to be sexually abused by someone he knows and trusts, such as a coach, teacher, neighbor, babysitter or family member. For the sake of any child you care for, it is important that you can recognize signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse.
Identification
Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse in children include if they have trouble sitting or walking or make a strong effort to stay away from a certain person without any apparent reason. Another sign of child sexual abuse is if a child demonstrates knowledge or interest in sexual acts or seductive behavior that is inappropriate for his age. Signs also include a child under the age of 14 becoming pregnant or contracting a sexually transmitted disease. Another sign is when a child does not want to change his clothes in front of other people or participate in activities he used to enjoy.
Features
An additional symptom of child sexual abuse is when a child has inexplicable fears. He might have severe disturbances while sleeping, accompanied by sweating, screaming or shaking. Your child might also be afraid of certain places or people or be hesitant about being alone with one person in particular.
Effects
Signs of sexual abuse in children can also include physical things, such as trauma around your child's genital or anal area. He might also have genital infection symptoms including a foul odor or rash, complaints about pain while urinating or defecating.
Considerations
A child who has experienced sexual abuse might also display sudden mood and behavioral changes, including isolation, self-hatred, fear, rage, insecurity, irritability or unexplained panic attacks. Your child might also revert back to behaviors he did while younger, such as bed-wetting or sucking his thumb.
Prevention/Solution
If you notice your child displaying any of the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, you should first and foremost provide unconditional support and calm reassurance. Do not display any feelings of denial you might have to your child or show shock or disgust if your child tells you he has experienced sexual abuse, as this might cause him to avoid sharing what happened with you. Let your child explain what happened without interrogating him or asking too many questions. Reassure your child that he did nothing wrong and praise him for having the courage to speak up about the incident. You can contact the ChildHelp National Child Abuse Hotline to get help for or report child sexual abuse.
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