What can be done if you suspect a child is being victimized by childhood sexual abuse?
First, recognize the signs of childhood sexual abuse (not all inclusive)
Physical signs:
- Bleeding, bruises, or swelling in genital area
- Bloody, torn, or stained underclothes
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Frequent urinary or yeast infections
- Pain, itching, or burning in genital area
Behavioral signs:
- Changes in hygiene, such as refusing to bathe or bathing excessively
- Develops phobias
- Exhibits signs of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder
- Expresses suicidal thoughts, especially in adolescents
- Has trouble in school, such as absences or drops in grades
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors
- Nightmares or bed-wetting
- Overly protective and concerned for siblings, or assumes a caretaker role
- Returns to regressive behaviors, such as thumb sucking
- Runs away from home or school
- Self-harms
- Shrinks away or seems threatened by physical contact
With kindness and sensitivity, talk to the child.
- Allow the child to select a safe place to talk
- Ask questions/inquire - Has anyone has touched you and/or caused you to feel uncomfortable in any way?
- Listen and reassure the child of any fears
- Ensure the safety of the child
Call the Childhelp National Abuse Hotline at 800.422.4453 to ask about the reporting process and what to expect
Suspected or known child sexual abuse is reported to Child Protective Services (RAINN's –Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) State Law Database )
Resources
- RAINN.org
- STOP IT NOW! 1-888-PREVENT (888-773-2362) – Helpline for Adults Living in US Fearing the Safety of a Child
- The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD
- Covenant House Nineline 1-800-999-9999 – for homeless youth needing shelter (24 service)
- Hopeline 1-800-SUICIDE
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-HOPE
- Children of the Night Hotline 1.800.551.1300
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