What to Do if You Think a Toddler Has Been Sexually Abused

Signs of sexual abuse are difficult to diagnose and treat in children of all ages. In toddlers, language limitations can make the situation even harder to identify and address.

Identifying Signs

Parenting expert Benjamin Needlman notes that behavior changes, masturbation and vaginal infections are sometimes-- but usually not-- signs of sexual abuse. Experts can accurately identify the underlying cause of such problems.

Getting Help

If a caregiver suspects that a toddler has been sexually abused, he or she should contact the child's pediatrician. The doctor can examine the child and, if necessary, refer caregivers to experts for further evaluation.

Law-Enforcement Organizations

If the person who suspects abuse is not the child's parent, he or she should contact a local Child Protective Services (CPS) agency or police department to file a report. A pediatrician will usually refer parents to these organizations if he strongly suspects abuse.

Protecting the Toddler

A toddler should be kept away from his suspected abuser by parents or other caregivers. If one or both parents are under investigation, police will generally remove children from their parents' custody.

Recovery

Most children will not retain long-term memories of sexual abuse during toddlerhood. However, psychological evaluation and treatment may be necessary as the child gains an ability to communicate verbally.

References

• Dr. Benjamin Needlman. "Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care"; 8th edition. Simon & Schuster, 2004. pp 508-509.