How can a parent tell if a child is being sexually abused?
400789
There are various lists of possible physical and behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse, some of which are: \nWaking up during the night sweating, screaming or shaking with nightmares. \n\n\nMasturbating excessively. \n\n\nShowing unusually aggressive behavior toward family members, friends, toys, and pets. \n\n\nComplaining of pain while urinating or having a bowel movement, or exhibiting symptoms of genital infections such as offensive odors, or symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease. \n\n\nHaving symptoms indicating evidence of physical traumas to the genital or anal area. \n\n\nBeginning wetting the bed. \n\n\nExperiencing a loss of appetite or other eating problems, including unexplained gagging. \n\n\nShowing unusual fear of a certain place or location. \n\n\nDeveloping frequent unexplained health problems. \n\n\nEngaging in persistent sexual play with friends, toys or pets. \n\n\nHaving unexplained periods of panic, which may be flashbacks from the abuse. \n\n\nRegressing to behaviors too young for the stage of development they already achieved. \n\n\nInitiating sophisticated sexual behaviors. \n\n\nIndicating a sudden reluctance to be alone with a certain person. \n\n\nEngaging in self-mutilations, such as sticking themselves with pins or cutting themselves. \n\n\nWithdrawing from previously enjoyable activities, like school or school performance change.\n\n\nAsking an unusual amount of questions about human sexuality.
477182
Parents tend to be the last ones to believe bad things of their children.  They tend to turn a blind eye to certain things in order to perpetuate the image of the "perfect" little boy or girl that they raised.  It's not healthy and tends to hurt the children more in the long run.
1040037
if you kid is getting abused then take him in
1142475
Children who touch themselves are genuinely just curious about their bodies. They shouldn't be told it is wrong, but taught that it should be done in private. All children do it, and it is perfectly normal.\n\nAs for putting a vibrating object there........ this does seem disturbing! maybe she has seen it somewhere which needs to be investigated. Keep a close eye on your daughter. If she does it again, calmly ask her not to use it and then ask why she did it in the first place. Don't shout at her, just sit her gently on the sofa and talk calmly to her......... 'matter of factly'. \nIt may just be a curiosity thing but watch your daughters behaviour. If it changes noticeably this could be a sign of abuse. Don't jump to conclusions though. If you do feel your daughter has changed, take her to the doctor and voice your concerns. It is better to be safe than sorry.\n\nI wish you luck on that one, and I really do hope for your daughters sake it is just a curiosity thing.
876931
Primarily the abuser.\n\nParents must be aware of their childs whereabouts constantly.
687335
here is a link to alot of different support groups,and chat groups,involving sex abuse,both adult survivers,and children..hope it helps
816181
first thing i would do if someone voiced the concern about my asshole being in jeopardy i get on the sex offender registry and type in that dudes name. and maybe your parents did that and saw him, maybe they heard a rumor and don't want to risk it, that's good they shouldn't, you shouldn't, if you suspect it stay away.
253426
There has been several in the news here lately. Just watch the news or call any tv station and ask them about a child abuse the showed on the news.You can't get any closer then that unless you are (the abused child.)
409924
Ask your parent who is controlling you.
698451
sadly, most abused people are ashamed and try to hide it so finding the truth can be impossible. If it's a child ... don't hesitate and call child protection in your area a.s.a.p.. If it's an adult, stay a friend just keep your eyes and ears open. look for signs (read up on the internet) , look for opportunities to get your friend engaged in conversations where they trust you and comfortable opening up. Be very very cautious not to come off as judgemental. If you are asking this then you are a caring person and you will know what to do when the opportunity presents itself.
234377
Get a good custody attorney.  If you can't afford one than what you need to do is inspect your children for signs of abuse every time they come back from their father and photograph any injuries, or take them to a doctor and have the doctor's office do it.  They should photograph any injuries that may be a result of abuse which you can later use in court. If you suspect sexual abuse than this is especially important. \n\nGoing directly through Human services for this is a bad idea.  Social workers have huge caseloads and they are getting very critical of reports of child abuse because 60% of all cases are unfounded.  In addition there have been cases where over zealous social workers take the kids and sort the mess out later which means that your child could end up in foster care until you go to court.
915837
Go to your state's web site and type in child abuse. You should find something there.
264944
First of all, you can make people AWARE. Awareness is your best weapon. I was raped at 4 years of age. I also was made aware of what to do if something like that should happen to me. I screamed, yelled, kicked, bit, etc. Because I did so, the teenager who raped me was caught and prosecuted. Because my parents were aware of what to do in such cases, they got me help right away. Children AND parents need to be taught how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens. I suggest that you also lobby for more strict legislation to deal with sex offenders. Perhaps form a community group at your childrens' school.
1116183
Everyone has their own way.\n\nI was molested at age 5 by my sister and brothers father and I told my mother in a heated argument one day.\n\nYou will tell when you are ready and able.  There is no definite way to tell anyone, cause it is a devastating event that took place.\n\nI wish you all the luck and I hope you tell someone so this person doesnt have a chance to do this to anyone else.
109415
Its possible that you are not even aware of something that might have happened earlier in your life- I hate to suggest it, but maybe you were sexually abused in your early childhood (about 1 in every 4 girls are sexually abused in the US) (see the first reference link)  I know it sounds outrageous because that is such a high number, but as I've learned in obtaining my own degree in psychology, it is unfortunately true.\n\nUnfortunately, the symptoms you have described align quite well with the symptoms of sexual abuse (or PTSD associated with it) look at the second two "sources" below for more info on that\n\nI think its important that you seek help from a therapist- if you are under your parents insurance and are uncomfortable mentioning to them that you want to see a counselor, then seek out help in a different way- consider going to a school counselor (if you are in school) or find a clinic in your area- there are also hotlines you can find to talk to someone\n\nI appologize if I am way off base here- however in my experience, your "symptoms" do put up a red flag, as they would to almost any good psychologist.
27270
not to make the father out to sound bad but i would be a little worried as well. check the child for signs of abuse. make sure they know that it's okay to tell you anything even if you have to make up a little game to play (i.e. get them to tell a toy what they do on the weekend with daddy). like i said i don't want to make an innocent man sound bad but they arent' always innocent. if my child behaved that way i would not let them see the father again until i knew for damn sure why. check it out.
398073
I think anytime you are doing anything to your child in Anger to hurt them it's abuse.  The easy way to judge would be to think to yourself do I want to hurt or help my child.\n\nMore specificly an occasional spanking when children respond to nothing else is OK.\n\nA backhand to the kid for a bad grade or even calling your kid stupid is Bad.