The possibility of sexual abuse must be considered when the child:
- Signs of child molestation can manifest as age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors.
- Signs of child molestation might involve unexplained injuries or bruises.
- Has difficulty sitting or walking or shows any other physical signs of molestation.
- Signs of child molestation may include pain or soreness in specific areas of the body.
- Contracts a venereal disease or becomes pregnant (especially if s/he is under 14).
- Complains of itching or pain in the genital area.
- Has stained, bloody, or torn underclothing.
- Draws or writes material having strong sexual themes.
- Shows extremely desperate behavior like running away from home.
- Looks more mature in appearance or behavior than their age.
- Tells that s/he or another child is sexually involved with some adult.
Be wary if the child:
- Signs of child molestation can encompass sudden behavioral changes. Becomes too shy or withdrawn and has extreme difficulty making friends or peer relationships
- Becomes hyperactive, especially when among younger children
- Shows signs of depression or mental stress through such signs as low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, or self-injurious behavior
- Begins to bed wet, especially when sleeping among younger children
- Demonstrates extremely promiscuous behavior, especially between the ages of 11 and 13
- Acts without apparent regard for self-respect and personal safety
- Begins abusing drugs and alcohol
- Suddenly refuses to change for sports or gym class
- Begins to violate social and legal codes
- Signs of sexual abuse in children may lead to avoidance of specific individuals, places, or activities.
- Signs of sexual abuse in children might involve regression, such as reverting to earlier behaviors.
- Signs of sexual abuse in children could be indicated by a sudden loss of interest in enjoyable activities.
- Signs of sexual abuse in children may result in discomfort or fear around certain individuals.
- Signs of sexual abuse in children might include psychological symptoms like anxiety or depression.
- Signs of child molestation could result in avoidance of specific individuals, places, or activities.
Please contact our San Diego sexual assault lawyer if you have legal questions. Consultation is free and confidential.
Signs A Child Is Being Molested
Recognizing signs that a child might be experiencing molestation is crucial for early intervention and support. Some signs that could indicate a child is being molested include:
- Behavioral Changes: Signs of sexual abuse in children can include sudden behavioral changes. Look for sudden and drastic changes in behavior, such as withdrawing from usual activities, becoming unusually secretive, displaying fear or anxiety around specific individuals, or showing signs of regression like bedwetting, thumb-sucking, or clinginess.
- Physical Indicators: Signs of sexual abuse in children might manifest as unexplained injuries or bruises. Physical signs may include unexplained injuries or bruises, particularly in the genital or anal areas, difficulty walking or sitting, complaints of pain or soreness, or indications of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in a child. Signs of sexual abuse in children may involve pain or soreness in specific areas of the body.
- Emotional Responses: Signs of sexual abuse in children often encompass emotional distress and extreme fear. Children might display emotional distress, such as sudden mood swings, extreme fear of certain places or people, nightmares, difficulties sleeping, changes in appetite, or sudden disinterest in activities they previously enjoyed.
- Knowledge or Language Indications: Signs of sexual abuse in children might present as age-inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors. Children might exhibit age-inappropriate knowledge or curiosity about sexual behaviors, use explicit language, or demonstrate an understanding of sexual acts that is beyond their age level.
- Avoidance or Resistance: Some children might actively avoid certain people, situations, or places without an apparent reason. They may also resist going to specific locations or spending time with particular individuals.
It’s essential to approach these signs with sensitivity and care. Not all signs are definitive proof of molestation, and some could be caused by other factors. If there’s any suspicion or concern, it’s crucial to involve professionals trained in handling cases of child abuse, such as child psychologists, social workers, or healthcare providers specializing in child welfare, to assess the situation properly and provide the necessary support and protection for the child. For more information, please visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.
What to do if you catch a molester?
Sexual abuse is a serious crime. If you believe someone has molested your child or any other child, do not try to handle it yourself! When caught, a predator will always say it was their “first time,” He will also promise never to do it again. But he will be lying, and he is good at it. Call the police and report abuse! The best thing one could do for one’s child and the other children (past or potential victims of the predator) is to report the crime to the authorities. If a molester has preyed on your child, he will do it to others, too, unless he’s stop stopped.
