What is child sexual abuse?

Any sexual activity with a child by a family member or other caretaker.

Sexual abuse can be physical and emotional. It can be fondling or any kind of inappropriate touching, rape or attempted rape or can include using a child to recreate pornography. The non-physical aspect of child abuse can be just as traumatic on a child. It can be indecent exposure, inappropriate sexual talk with a child designed to create curiosity in the child. Or it can be showing a child sexual material or allowing them to watch or listen to sexual acts.

There is no stereotype of sexual predators. It can be a family member or someone the child knows: 0a counselor, a baby sitter, a coach, or a family friend. Many different kinds of people abuse children. Men and women can be predators.

If a child discloses sexual abuse:

1) Believe the child! Most children do not lie about abuse. Children do not generally have knowledge of sexual acts. It takes a lot of courage for a child to come forward about being sexually assaulted or molested.

2) Control your emotions. Getting angry may lead the child to believe you are angry at them when you are really angry at the perpetrator.

3) Offer emotional support. Tell the child that s/he is not at fault and that s/he was right to tell.

4) Take action to make sure that the child doesn’t have contact with that person anymore.

5) Offer the child someone to talk to on a regular basis. This gives the child the support needed to talk about what has happened without worrying about judgment.

Some warning signs may be:

1)  Behavioral problems: withdrawal, seductive or aggressive behavior, running away, eating disorders, regression in basic life skills like potty training or language development.

2)  Depression    3)Anxiety    4)Confusion about identity     5)Nightmares, trouble sleeping.

Physical signs may be:

1)      Injury or irritation of the genital or anal area               2)      Frequent headaches or stomach aches

Safety tips for caregivers:

• Discuss sexuality in an open and honest way so they do not feel uncomfortable talking to you

• Teach your children to say “no,” even to adults.

• Be alert for clues of abuse, such as changes in behavior.

• Listen to your child.

• Teach children what to do if approached or abused.

                      Say “NO”, Get away, Tell an adult

   

Mandated Reporting

If you are an educator, health care provider, child care provider, or anyone who works with kids, you are a mandated reporter. Being a mandated reporter means that you must report suspicions of abuse to Child Protective Services. If a child discloses to you please follow the above suggestions. Make sure to acknowledge the claim and inform your supervisor, principal, or whoever is appropriate. The National Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline number is 800-342-3720.