Signs and Symptoms of Childhood Sexual Abuse

.

It is very important, when considering signs and symptoms of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), that you use caution and careful judgment. Children, like adults, have a limited number of ways to deal with any stress or trauma. Many of the symptoms of child abuse are also symptoms of other problems.

It is not unusual for children at different developmental stages to have nightmares, experience bedwetting, or ask questions about sex. Some children who are abused, may not express any of the usual indicators of abuse, and may, in fact, be “perfectly well-behaved.” Children who are overly obedient and always seek adult approval can be selected as victims because of their unquestioning obedience to adult authority.

Identifying child abuse is difficult and complicated even for the investigating professionals.

Watch for Signs That Your Child Needs Help
Children may not know or use words about the emotions they are experiencing. Children do not always know how they feel or why they feel a certain way. Sometimes, even when a child has told you about being abused, he/she may not tell everything that happened. Children may express their feelings through behavior.

New Fears
Your child may develop new fears of situations, places, or people. Your child may begin to expect danger to self or others. Your child may become excessively shy.

Anger/Hostility
If children are not allowed or able to express anger towards the abuser, they may take their anger out on others or against themselves.

Sexual Acting Out
Your child may act out sexually. They may show an unusual interest in other people’s or animals’ genitals, or masturbate excessively. They may try to express affection in an inappropriate way, such as fondling private parts.

Sleeping and Eating Problems
Your child may have problems sleeping, nightmares, sudden loss or gain in appetite; they might return to younger, more babyish behavior. For example, a toilet-trained child may begin to wet the bed, an eleven year old may begin to suck their thumb; or a usually independent child may not be able to go to sleep without you in the room.

School Problems
Your child may have difficulty concentrating which can affect school performance. A change in grades or behavior at school is not uncommon.

Loss of Boundaries
Your child’s privacy has been invaded in the most serious way possible and they may not know that they have privacy rights. They may be overly friendly and attached to total strangers, they may tolerate abuse from other children, they may become excessively isolated and withdrawn, or they may become overly obedient.

Self-Destructive Acts
Your child may feel such guilt and shame from the abuse that they take their feelings out on themselves by hurting themselves.

If any of these or other behavioral problems persist and interfere with your child’s ability to live a normal, healthy life, you should consider getting professional counseling for your child and family. How you feel about and treat your child is very important to their ability to heal from the abuse. If you feel calm, guilt-free, and accepting, you can help your child overcome the pain and grow in a healthy way. It is important for you to acknowledge your feelings, but it is also important that you not act them out with your child.

By: Centerforchildprotection.org

.

If you live in the northern Dallas Texas area, and you would like more information or assistance with these issues, please contact Kathy Broady LCSW or www.AbuseConsultants.com .