-Trigger Warning-
Intentional harm or mistreatment to a child under the age of eighteen is considered child abuse. There are different forms of child abuse, such as sexual abuse. “Child sexual abuse is any sexual activity with a child. This can involve sexual contact, such as intentional sexual touching, oral-genital contact, or intercourse. This can also involve non-contact sexual abuse of a child, such as exposing a child to sexual activity or pornography: observing or filming a child in a sexual manner: sexual harassment of a child: prostitution of a child, including sex trafficking” (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research,
n.d).
Warning signs a child may have been sexually abused:
The child is not engaging with friends or family. The child is not engaging in their usual activities at school or home.
The child is wetting the bed when they are not of age too.
Self- harm attempts or suicide.
Changes in behavior
Violent behavior, hyperactivity, changes in academics.
Sexual statements/comments to peers.
Child attempts to touch other children inappropriately.
Sexually transmitted infection or pregnancy.
The child states he or she has been sexually abused.
Resources for families:
Contacting the child’s primary care provider.
Contacting local child welfare agency.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
Calling or texting.
Contacting Law enforcement.
Seeking therapeutic resources such as:
A child therapist that specialized in sexual abuse trauma.
MOSCA- Metropolitan organization to counter sexual assault. Counseling, advocacy, and support groups.
Teaching a child he/she “safe spots” on their body where no one is allowed to touch he/she without the child saying yes.
It is important the child points to these areas of the body, to identify them themselves.
Asking the child what happens if someone does try and touch he/she “safe spots,” this is a great opportunity for the parents to identify safe people for the child.
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