Of all the abhorrent criminal behaviors there are, the abuse of a child is considered by most to be the worst. In addition to that, other than losing a child there is no greater pain for a parent. But how can you know that something like this is going on? And if so, what do you do next?
In this article, we will take a look at the 3 main areas that which child sexual abuse manifests itself, as well as what you should do if someone in your family is experiencing it. These categories are physical, behavioral, and emotional:
Common Physical Signs
Physical signs of sex abuse in children are not always present. More commonly, the abuse reveals itself through behavioral and emotional issues. However, when there are physical signs of abuse, they include examples such as:
- Unexplained bruising or injuries, especially to the genital region
- Unexplained symptoms including stomach aches or headaches
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Recurring or persistent pain when urinating or having bowel movements
- Bathroom accidents not related to potty training
- Bleeding, pain, or discharge in the mouth, anus, or genitals
Common Behavioral Signs
If child sexual abuse is occurring, it is almost certain that there will be notable changes in the behavior of the victim. This type of stress and trauma cannot help but manifest itself in various ways. For this category, the most frequently seen examples are:
- Knowledge, language, or behavior of a sexual nature that is not age-appropriate (such as sexualized behavior with another child or acting out inappropriate scenarios with toys)
- Not wanting to attend school or other routine activities
- Reverting to early childhood behaviors they had already outgrown, such as bedwetting or sucking their thumb
- Avoiding certain people and/or places, especially those that they used to get excited about going to
- Wanting to spend an excessive amount of time alone
- Getting undressed at inappropriate times/too comfortable with being naked around others
- Being fearful of closeness with others
- Preoccupation with a new friend that is an adult or an older child
Common Emotional Signs
Emotional signs of child sexual abuse are oftentimes very similar to behavioral issues and can even be related. Since every young person reacts differently to this type of abuse, the signs can display themselves in any number of ways and combinations. Emotional disturbance can manifest itself as:
- Difficulty sleeping, nightmares, or fear of being by themselves at night
- Depression, fearfulness, aggression, or worry
- Self-harm (burning, cutting, etc.) or suicidal behavior
- Decreased self-confidence
- Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or other things they once enjoyed
- Referring to their body as dirty or bad
What To Do if You Suspect or Confirm Child Sexual Abuse
Uncovering the sexual abuse of a young loved one is a traumatizing experience, to say the least. However, as awful as it may be for the person who discovers it, it’s nowhere near as bad as it is for the child. Taking matters into your own hands is the worst thing that you can do. It is important to keep a level head, contact the authorities, and look into legal counsel for your child and family.