WARNING SIGNS THAT AN ADULT MAY HAVE SEXUALLY ABUSED YOUR CHILD
Oftentimes children do not admit they have been sexually abused. Therefore, it is imperative that parents, family members and friends be aware of the following behaviors of an adult:
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failing to give the child privacy
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abnormal interest in child or teenager sexual development
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walking in on the child while they are changing clothes or in the bathroom
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offering to babysit a lot or watch the child overnight
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giving the child expensive gifts or money
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insisting on alone time with the child
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telling a child they are “special” or their “favorite” and treating them differently from other children
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offering to babysit a lot or watch the child overnight
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unusual interest in a particular child forcing physical affection on a child such as kissing, hugging, or play wrestling when it is clear the child is uncomfortable
SIGNS OF MOLESTATION AT 2-9 YEARS OF AGE:
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regressive behaviors such as bed wetting
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fear of certain people, places or things
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not wanting to eat or changes in appetite
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trouble sleeping or having nightmares
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feeling shameful or guilty
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withdrawing from loved ones
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sexualized behaviors
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victimizing others
WARNING SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE BY AGE:
SIGNS OF MOLESTATION AT 0-3 YEARS OF AGE:
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crying more than usual
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change in sleeping patterns
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change in feeding patterns
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failure to thrive
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fear
SIGNS OF MOLESTATION IN ADOLESCENTS 9+:
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depressive mood
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academic decline
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trouble sleeping or having nightmares
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aggression
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drug and alcohol abuse
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sexualized behaviors
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change in appetite
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early pregnancy
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suicidal thoughts and behaviors
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running away from home
PHYSICAL WARNING SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE:
Physical signs of sexual abuse are not always present. However, if you notice any of the following signs, seek medical attention immediately:
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bleeding, discharge or pain in mouth, genitals or anus
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STDs
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pain during urination or bowel movements
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urinating or defecating involuntarily
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signs of difficulty walking, sitting or standing
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injuries to themselves such as cutting, burning or suicide attempts
OTHER EMOTIONAL, BEHAVIORAL, PSYCHOSOCIAL INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN CHILDREN:
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aggressive sexual behavior
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starting fires
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acting clingy
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animal cruelty
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withdrawing or isolating oneself
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poor communication skills