INDICATORS OF RISK IN YOUNGER CHILDREN
These behaviors may be indicators that a child has been inappropriately exposed to sexual activity or victimization.
-STATEMENTS DEMONSTRATING UNUSUAL AMOUNTS OF SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE.
-SEXUALLY EXPLICIT DRAWINGS.
-SEXUAL INTERACTION WITH ANIMALS OR TOYS.
-PREOCCUPATION WITH SEXUAL MATTERS.
-NIGHTMARES OR EASILY STARTLED
INDICATORS OF RISK AN OLDER CHILDREN
Increased levels of sexual interest are normal for adolescents. However, these are some indicators which may signal sexual abuse.
- SEXUAL PROMISCUITY [MULTIPLE PARTNERS].
- REPORTS OF UNWANTED SEXUAL EXPERIENCES.
- ADOLESCENT PROSTITUTION.
- SIGNIFICANT WEIGHT GAIN OR LOSS.
- ANGRY AND/OR DEPRESSED MOOD.
- UNUSUAL DISTANCING FROM THE FAMILY.
- DECREASE IN ACHIEVEMENTS.
- UNUSUAL DISTANCING FROM THE FAMILY
- UNUSUAL WARINESS OF OTHER PEOPLE AND NEW SITUATIONS.
IF YOU SUSPECT ABUSE,
DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET HELP
When children report they are or have been sexually abused, there is a high probability they are telling the truth. False accusations by children represent less than 5% of all reports. Additional help you can seek if you think you know a child who is a victim of abuse:
- CALL YOUR COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
- CALL YOUR POLICE DEPARTMENT.
- CALL A QUALIFIED PEDIATRICIAN, OR THE CHILD PROTECTION TEAM AT YOUR LOCAL HOSPITAL.
- CALL A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.
WHERE TO GET HELP
Occasionally parents need professional advice:
- IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILDS SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT. TALK TO YOUR CHILD'S DOCTOR AND TEACHER. THEY MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU MAKE SENSE OF WHATEVER IS CAUSING CONCERN.
- SOCIAL WORKERS, PSYCHOLOGISTS AND CHILD PSYCHIATRISTS MAY ALSO BE SOURCES OF HELP.
- WHEN LOOKING FOR ADVICE OR SERVICES RELATED TO QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S SEXUALITY, BE SURE TO INQUIRE WHETHER OR NOT THE QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL HAS ANY TRAINING REGARDING CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND SEXUAL ABUSE. IF NOT, ASK FOR A REFERRAL.

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