Most parents don't 'just know' that their child has been abused
Signs of abuse are not always easy to see, particularly as most people don't really think it could happen to their child so don't have it in mind as a possibility when a child is quiet or upset for 'no apparent reason'. We all respond differently to emotional harm. We may also respond the same way to emotional harm caused by many different things (e.g. death of a grandparent or being bullied at school). No particular behaviour or emotion means that a child has been sexually abused. What it does mean is that something is distressing to the child and that needs to be explored.
It is important to do something if you notice:
• Changes in mood or expression (e.g. a usually happy child becomes unhappy, withdrawn, aggressive or withdrawn)
• Sleeping problems (nightmares, bedwetting)
• Acting like a much younger child (sucking thumb, wanting soft toys again etc.)
• Self harming (hitting self, making sores bigger etc.)
• Ongoing illness (stomach aches / headaches)
• Sexual behaviours and language that seem out of the ordinary or age inappropriate
• Unexplained injuries or pain in genitals, anus or mouth
• Sexually transmitted infections, discharge from genitals or anus
• A child who talks about a new older 'friend' or suddenly has money, toys or gifts for no reason.
What to do:
• Do what caregivers do whenever a child is upset or behaving differently; let the child know you love them and care about how they are feeling. Be patient and let the child know it is good to share feelings because caregivers can help fix problems.
• Talk to CAPS Hauraki about what you've noticed.
• Educate yourself about:
• How to deal with a disclosure of sexual abuse.
• How to spot an abuser.
• Grooming a child/ family.
Sourced from www.sexualabusehelp.org.nz, www.stopitnow.org/warning_signs_child_behavior
We Can Keep Safe 2011 - Auckland Sexual Abuse Help Foundation
It is important to do something if you notice:
• Changes in mood or expression (e.g. a usually happy child becomes unhappy, withdrawn, aggressive or withdrawn)
• Sleeping problems (nightmares, bedwetting)
• Acting like a much younger child (sucking thumb, wanting soft toys again etc.)
• Self harming (hitting self, making sores bigger etc.)
• Ongoing illness (stomach aches / headaches)
• Sexual behaviours and language that seem out of the ordinary or age inappropriate
• Unexplained injuries or pain in genitals, anus or mouth
• Sexually transmitted infections, discharge from genitals or anus
• A child who talks about a new older 'friend' or suddenly has money, toys or gifts for no reason.
What to do:
• Do what caregivers do whenever a child is upset or behaving differently; let the child know you love them and care about how they are feeling. Be patient and let the child know it is good to share feelings because caregivers can help fix problems.
• Talk to CAPS Hauraki about what you've noticed.
• Educate yourself about:
• How to deal with a disclosure of sexual abuse.
• How to spot an abuser.
• Grooming a child/ family.
Sourced from www.sexualabusehelp.org.nz, www.stopitnow.org/warning_signs_child_behavior
We Can Keep Safe 2011 - Auckland Sexual Abuse Help Foundation
