The Warning Signs of Molestation in Children
Between 2004 and 2009, sexual abuse, commonly referred to as molestation, affected an estimated 135,300 children, or 24 percent of the child population, according to the National Incidence for Child Abuse and Neglect Report. The vast majority of children who experience sexual molestation know their abuser. The warning signs of molested children will vary with age and severity depending on the length and severity of the abuse.
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Increased Awareness of Sexuality
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Young children may begin talking about sexually related activities or body parts in a way that is not age appropriate. You may overhear them discussing with another child in detail the sexual function of certain body parts or acting out sexual activities with their toys or dolls. Children may also draw pictures depicting detailed sex organs or inappropriate contact between themselves and other figures.
Regression Behavior
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Children experiencing ongoing sexual molestation may begin acting younger than their age to subconsciously reconnect with a safer time in their lives. Specific behaviors include thumb sucking, bed wetting or excessive tantrums and crying. Keep in mind these behaviors by themselves do not automatically indicate abuse, but should be considered with other warning signs.
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Physical Indications
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Sexual molestation causes both psychological and physical trauma in many children. Some of the physical warning signs include discomfort during urination or bowel movements, tearing, bleeding or inflammation the genital and anal region. Some children may also exhibit incontinence long after toilet training.
Emotional Symptoms
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Some of the emotional signs of child molestation overlap with other difficulties at home or major upset in their personal lives, such as moving or the death of a loved one. Some of the emotional indicators include moodiness, aggressive or disruptive behavior, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal and difficulty focusing in school or during activities.
New Fears
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Children who are sexually molested often exhibit fearful and resistant behavior surrounding bedtime or when going to visit their abuser. The intensity, frequency and direction of these fears often indicates the source or environment in which the abuse occurs.
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References
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