Sexual Abuse of Children
This information is about child sexual abuse. You'll learn how to recognize sexual abuse, what to do if it happens, and how to help protect children from sexual abuse.
Sexual abuse is any sexual act involving a child and an adult, teenager, or older child. It can include exposing and/or touching the child's genitals, masturbation in front of the child or rubbing against the child, oral sex, and any type of penetration of the child's vagina or anus.
Sexual abuse occurs in all parts of society. In most cases, children are abused by someone they know and trust.
Sexual abuse can be hard to detect because it may not involve any physical harm and does not leave clear signs. When physical signs are present, they can include a discharge or unusual odor from the vagina or penis; pain, itching, redness, swelling, or bleeding in genital or anal areas; and discomfort in walking or sitting. Other clear indicators include sexually transmitted diseases such as Herpes, Syphilis, or Gonorrhea; or pregnancy at a very young age.
Sexual abuse might also be indicated by unusual behavior, such as nightmares, sleep disturbances, and fear of monsters; fear of certain people and/or places; eating problems; excessive clinging to one or both parents; and immature behavior. Other signs include unexplained behavior changes at home, school, or day care; or in relationships with friends and relatives. There may be withdrawal from social activities; acting out the abuse with dolls, friends, or adults -- or through drawings; changes in hygiene and toilet habits; and excessive or constant masturbation in public or private places.
But you should know that any of these physical and behavioral signs may also occur in children who have not been sexually abused. So all they can tell you is that the situation should be investigated.
If you do discover child abuse, your first response should be to protect the child. Assure the child of your love and approval, and emphasize that the child will be protected from further abuse. Encourage the child to talk about the problem freely, emphasizing that it is not the child's fault. Report the abuse to the police or call your local Child Abuse hotline. Finally, you should seek professional medical, legal or counseling help.
You can help protect your child from abuse by reassuring your children that they have a right to say no to people who might touch them or do anything that makes them uncomfortable. Help them to feel safe with you, so that they can reveal anything to you -- even unacceptable behavior by relatives and friends. In addition, you should know where your children are and what they're doing. Get to know any adults and older children who have contact with your children. Check out baby sitters and day care providers. Ask for references. Refuse to use a child care service that doesn't allow drop-in visits. Talk with your children about their activities; and be observant of anything unusual that they say or do.
Please remember these key points:
- Sexual abuse can happen to anyone.
- If abuse is discovered, focus on comforting, reassuring, and above all protecting the child.
- Help prevent sexual abuse by knowing your children's whereabouts and associates, checking on adults who have contact with them, and encouraging open communication.
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