Sexual abuse of children is an issue that has been around since time immemorial. Many men and women feel that this is a societal issue of contemporary times, however this isn’t correct. It’s erroneous to presume that only women are victims of sexual abuse. Boys are equally at risk of becoming victimized.
You, as a parent must remain alert to any probable signs of such abuse on your kids. Here’s a listing of commonly seen symptoms and signs of sexual abuse in kids.
Visible Physical Signs
Don’t dismiss any abrupt lumps, injuries, sores, welts and cuts on your child’s body. Consult your child especially about the origin of any such unexpected and new injury. Should you suspect that your child has been abused, you shouldn’t wait in assessing his/her private parts for similar injuries too.
Scared Of One Particular Person
Kids who are being abused generally hate or are fearful of the man or woman who’s the perpetrator of this offense. They might not need to be left alone with this individual. Parents may also discover that the kid doesn’t make any verbal or eye contact with the victimizer.
Mood Swings
The child may begin suffering on a mental level as well due to sexual abuse. This might cause severe mood swings. He/she could throw tantrums, reveal intense violence and anger in the tiniest issues. These children are also vulnerable to getting silent and withdrawn abruptly for no reason.
Bed Wetting
If your child is potty trained and too old to be wetting their mattress, then you need to worry if this issue arises. If your son or daughter begins soiling or wetting his/her nightclothes abruptly (for no clear reason), he/she could be needing some issues which you ought to check into.
Sleep Problems
Kids that are being sexually abused usually suffer with sleep difficulties. These may include problems such as insomnia, recurrent walking, irregular sleep schedules, nightmares etc.