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October 21, 2019
As a parent, you try to be a friend, protector, teacher – in short, everything for your children.
Whether there is something that is troubling them or they need help – parents are always there for them. But what if something is troubling your child that they are unable to tell?
Sexual abuse is one such thing that children find difficult to communicate; with 1 in 10 children facing such abuse before their 18th birthday, the issue is far more prevalent than we think. In fact, for younger girls, this number increases by 20%.
It’s also alarming to note that sexual abuse has been correlated with long-term adverse effects that can develop into major psychological and physical problems – such as depression, alcoholism, drug abuse and marital issues.
Your child’s protection is your utmost priority and if they have been subject to this inhumane practice, the offenders should be served justice. Not only does this stop the offender from even thinking about doing the same with anybody else, it can also have a positive influence on your child’s recovery.
This is why this article will outline behavioral signs that children subject to abuse are likely to show.
What Are The Signs Of Child Sexual Abuse?
Every child reacts differently to sexual abuse; while some may become increasingly shy and quiet, others have been reported to indulge in self-harm.
While some of these signs may overlap with common problems, it is better to be safe than sorry – particularly when it comes to your child.
Here are some common signs of sexual abuse and trauma:
Behavioral Signs
These relate to changes in behavior that can be attributed to sexual abuse – and not all of them are dramatic, most are quite subtle.
In fact, some children naturally exhibit some of these signs; it is important to be aware of your child’s sexual development to make sure you know whether the signs are natural or not.
Here are some behavioral signs that may mean your child has been a victim of sexual abuse:
Physical Signs
In addition to behavioral changes that a child may or may not exhibit, parents should also keep an eye out for physical signs that may indicate sexual abuse.
Here are some of the signs that may point out a problem:
Psychological Signs
Some signs are even more subtle than behavioral or physical changes; as an extreme trauma for their delicate age, sexual abuse can have a highly adverse impact on a child’s psychology.
Here are some psychological signs that may signal a problem:
Taking Action Might Not Be Easy – But It’s Very Important
Children are usually very reluctant to disclose sexual abuse due to various reasons – they can be scared, struggling with low esteem or simply ashamed of the encounter.
It is not easy to identify such incidents, but as parents, you need to prioritize the well-being of your child above any other person. Remember, with 93% of child sexual abuse perpetrators being known to the victim, it is often someone close in the friends or family circle.
Most importantly, listen to your child; if they tell you that something is making them feel uncomfortable, don’t take a risk. Sit down with them and allow them to talk to you openly – and in case you sense something suspicious, seek immediate help from sources around you.
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