Child sexual abuse often leaves victims with wounds that are more than skin deep and while physical abuse might be the most visible, other forms of abuse such as emotional abuse, also leave deep scars.By understanding the difference between normal sexual behavior and common signs of child sexual abuse, parents can take the first steps in making a difference.
Step 1: Understand how to behave in a sexual way.
As children grow and pass through various stages of development, their knowledge and curiosity about sexuality changes.While each child is an individual who will develop at his or her own pace, there are generally accepted behaviors associated with a child's age and development stage.Not every child will display the behaviors shown below because each child develops in his or her own way.To identify the corresponding behaviors, skip to the proper step for the child's age.
Step 2: Sexual behavior in pre-school children can be common.
Using childish sexual language to describe body parts Asking where babies come from and how they are made Showing and looking at genitals
Step 3: Common sexual behavior in children is identified.
Masturbating in a private place with other children.Masturbating in public is a rare sexual behavior.
Step 4: Common sexual behavior in young people.
Masturbating in public, having sexual contact with adults or younger children, is rare.
Step 5: There are different forms of child sex abuse.
There are three types of child sexual abuse: inappropriate touching, non-touching activity and sexual exploitation.Determine each type by reading the following steps.
Step 6: Inappropriate touching can be identified.
Rubbing against a child's body or clothing in an intimate manner Digitally penetrating or penetrating with an object
Step 7: Identifying non-touching activity is important.
Masturbating in front of a child, taking sexually explicit photos of their genitals, and being forced to watch pornography are all examples.
Step 8: Sexual exploitation should be identified.
Taking pornographic images or videos, or making a child model pornography.
Step 9: Children show rather than tell when something is disturbing them when they see signs of sexual abuse.
There are various reasons for fluctuations in a child's behavior, but a combination of warning signals may indicate appropriate action be taken.If the child is young, skip to the proper step for identifying the warning signs.
Step 10: There are signs of molestation in children 0-3 years.
Sleeping issues Crying excessively or fear Failing to thrive
Step 11: There are signs of child sexual abuse in children 3-9 years of age.
Masturbating excessively Wetting the bed, stranger anxiety, and other acts of behavior regression Fearing specific things like people, places, or activities
Step 12: There are signs of molestation in adolescents over 9 years old.
Abusing drugs and alcohol showing anger towards being forced into situations out of their control, engaging in promiscuous activity, and having suicidal thoughts.
Step 13: There are physical warning signs of child sexual abuse.
If you notice any of the signs below, you should take your child to a doctor for an exam to determine the cause and test for STDs.There are physical warning signs of child sexual abuse.Having torn, bloody, and stained underwear.
Step 14: The signs of child sexual abuse can include emotional, behavioral, and psychological signs.
Setting fires has poor social skills and is dependent on being withdrawn or clingy.