When children experience something terrible or hurtful, they do not always talk about it. Sometimes, their behavior may convey to us that something is not right.
One of the most difficult things for parents, teachers, and friends to consider is that a child might be experiencing sexual abuse. It is something horrible that no child should ever experience.
Let’s talk about how changes in a child’s behavior can be the warning signs of child sexual abuse and what adults can do about it.
Changes in Personality
A child who was usually cheerful, talkative, and playful may suddenly become quiet, sad, or angry for no apparent reason. A child might become scared, nervous, or cry more than usual.
Some even have bursts of anger or become upset over minor things. Such sudden changes in behavior can indicate that the child is troubled about something that they either don’t understand or are unable to share.
A once-happy child becoming moody or withdrawn does not necessarily indicate abuse. Kids have bad days too, but it is a signal that adults should pay attention and ask, in a non-confrontational way, what’s wrong.
Avoiding Certain People/Places
This could be a warning if a child suddenly resists going somewhere they once enjoyed, be it a relative’s house, a neighbor’s place, or even school. When they begin to:
- Making excuses
- Faking illness
- Crying or fussing when it’s time to go
Such behavior may mean the child feels unsafe around someone there. Kids don’t always have the words to describe why they are scared, so they show it by avoiding that person or place instead.
Changes in Sleep or Appetite
Other warning signals for distress include:
- A potty-trained child starting to wet the bed
- Having nightmares
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lose interest in food or sometimes overeat
These can occur when a child is anxious or frightened. The brain tries to deal with stress, and that can affect sleep and eating habits.
Being Overly Sexual for Their Age
One of the strongest warning signals of sexual abuse is a child who begins to show sexual knowledge or behavior far beyond what the child’s age would suggest. For instance, the child might:
- Use sexual words
- Draw sexual images
- Act out sexual scenes with toys or other children
Children learn about sex in healthy ways as they grow, but when they seem to know or do things they shouldn’t at their age, it’s a big sign that something’s not right.
Physical Signs of Pain
Sometimes the signs are not just emotional. A child might complain of pain or soreness around the private parts or have difficulty sitting or walking. They may suddenly be afraid to bathe or change clothes. Unexplained bruises or bleeding can also be a sign.
If any of these signs ever come to your attention, you should remain calm yet take fast action. Get the child to a doctor and make a report to child protection services or the police.
What Adults Can Do
If you ever suspect that a child might be going through sexual abuse, don’t ignore the signs. Stay calm and speak softly. Never force the child to talk about it if they are not ready to; instead, create an opportunity for trust.
You can say something like, ‘I’ve noticed you seem sad lately. You can always talk to me if something’s bothering you.’ If the child opens up:
- Believe them
- Don’t ask too many detailed questions
- Just listen and thank them for trusting you
- Report what you’ve learned to the right authorities, like child protective services or the police
It’s better to be wrong and find out the child is safe than to stay silent when they need help.
Conclusion
Subtle changes in a child’s behavior can tell a story, even when words can’t.
- Paying attention, showing love, and speaking up can make a life-changing difference.
- All adults can play a role in helping to keep children safe by watching for these warning signs, taking them seriously, and acting with care.
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