Warning Signals of Abuse
It is already known that the majority of child sexual abuse cases, the abuser is someone the child knows – an authority figure, an acquaintance from the community, or family members, including siblings. Sexual abuse among siblings is the most common form of abuse in the family.
We are in the midst of summer vacation, and while the children are sometimes alone at home and will not always be under your watchful eye, it is worthwhile to review the safety rules with your children. It is also a good time to share with you some identifying signs of abuse – important to know (not just during summer vacation…), in the hopes that you won't need it.
Be forewarned that this is not easy reading, but it can save lives😞
In general, children of all ages (preschool, elementary, teenagers) exhibit similar signs, but at each age and stage they can manifest a bit differently:
01
Changes in eating habits
overeating or eating less. Teenagers might develop eating disorders.
02
Sleep difficulties
difficulty falling asleep, awakening multiple times, nightmares.
03
Sexual behavior
a preschooler may take off his pants, an elementary schooler may spend time in the bathroom alone with another child, seek exposure to sexual content online, imitate movements, view pornographic content, upload revealing photos and videos, and increase touching.
04
Sudden changes in behavior
a child becoming self-involved, busy with childish fantasies, disconnected from the environment, unable to concentrate, withdrawing from various everyday functions (such as studies, chores), unwilling to exercise, irritable. A teenager may have irregular attendance at high school.
05
Age-inappropriate behavior
for example: curses they heard from adults, inappropriate vocabulary, violent play with dolls, drawing pictures of private parts.
06
psychosomatic complaints
There may be psychosomatic complaints and stomachaches. Physiologically, there may be infections, irritation or inflammation in the private parts.
07
Additional characteristics for teenagers
changes in social circles, social isolation, holing up at home, self-harm, depression, preoccupation with body image: loose or provocative clothing, alcohol and drugs, difficulties in relationships with authority figures – mistrust, receiving an unreasonable number of gifts, seduction.
If you recognize any of these symptoms, contact a professional. Taking an abused child for treatment will help reduce emotional distress, enable him to process the trauma and return to an age-appropriate lifestyle.
This important information is courtesy of Bayit Cham’s BeLibeinu Tel Aviv center which treats boys and girls ages 4-18 who have suffered sexual trauma.
You are not alone. For a consultation, contact us: 073-2800-587 belibenu.t@bch.org.il
*Masculine language was used for the sake of convenience; we are obviously referring to both genders.
