April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. There are several forms of abuse that children can experience: physical, sexual, psychological/emotional, and neglect are what are seen the most. The most taboo and unspoken abuse is sexual abuse. It is estimated that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused. Those numbers are staggering, and many children are suffering from the abuse.
In years gone by, sexual abuse was swept under the rug, or it was a big family secret, and people did not talk about it. This caused many children to keep getting hurt. One of the biggest things we have to do is start speaking up and speaking out against abusers. If no one speaks up, an abuser is likely to keep doing it to the original victim and other children.
Parents and guardians, be very vigilant about paying attention to peoples’ actions around your children. Abusers sometimes will groom children and, in a way, groom adults, as well. They will start by spending extra time with your child while you are present. They will give the child extra attention or purchase them gifts. They may start by tickling them and touching them in front of you that seems normal. Be watchful for people like this around your children.
Only seven percent of child sex abuse victims are harmed by a stranger. The vast majority are abused by someone they know, from friends and family members to a teacher or neighbor. Know whom your children are staying with at friends’ homes. You can cross-reference their names against the registered sex offenders list to minimize the odds of them walking into an unsafe environment. Not every offender is on the list, so you still need to be vigilant about checking people out and paying attention to how they interact with your children.
Victims of child sexual assaults have said that abusers will make everything seem normal in their experiences, and they will try their best to convenience your child it is their secret or not to tell due to a repercussion.
You know your child, and you will be able to see changes in their behavior or demeanor.
- Excessive talk about or knowledge of sexual topics.
- Keeping secrets. Not talking as much as usual.
- Not wanting to be left alone with certain people.
- Being afraid to be away from their primary caregiver.
- Change in eating habits.
- Change in mood or personality.
Studies have shown that abused children are more likely to suffer unexplained abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. There are many other signs of child abuse that adults should be aware of, as well, because children who have been sexually abused often avoid telling anyone about it due to shame, fear, guilt, or any number of other reasons. A more entailed list of signs to watch for can be found at https://www.rainn.org/articles/warning-signs-young-children.
If you feel like your child has been harmed, contact (844)SAVEACHILD OR 800-482-5964. You can make a report 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To read ‘April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, Part 1’, click HERE .
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