I SUSPECT MY CHILD HAS BEEN ABUSED
As a parent we are always on the look out to protect our children. We take the role of safeguarding our children from the dangers of this world seriously. Unfortunately, we know that at times it doesn’t matter how diligent we are, things happen and a child can be endangered.
It is hard to be 100% sure if your child is being sexually abused but here are a few signs to watch out for:
- If your child’s behaviour has suddenly changed.
- If your child is often bruised or injured.
- If your child is often withdrawn
- If your child is often very dirty or smelly
- If your child is inappropriately dressed for the time of the year
- If your child is often left at home alone
- If your child is constantly being ‘put down’, insulted, sworn at or humiliated
- If your child is putting themselves down constantly
- If your child seems to be very afraid of and is reluctant to be alone with a particular adult
- If your child has unexplained changeable emotions, such as depression, anxiety or severe aggression
- If your child shows sexual knowledge or behaviour that is inappropriate for their age
- If your child is living with parents or carers who are involved in serious drug or alcohol abuse
- If your child is showing appearance of self-harming
There may be acceptable explanations for these signs in some cases, so ask your child open ended questions. I.E. where did you get those bruises? But on the other hand, this list does not cover every possibility and you may see other things in your child’s behaviour that worries you.
Did you know that statistics show that 90% of child sexual abuse is by a family member or someone else who is known to the child.
Don’t keep your concerns to yourself; trust your judgement. Your children need you to act now.
Take action if you are worried that your child is being abused
Reporting makes a child feel safe
If you think the child is in immediate danger than phone the police.
Here are some phone numbers that you can ring that will be able to help
Australia
Police - 000
Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
UK
Police - 999
Childline - 0800 1111
USA
Police - 911
Child Abuse Hotline - 1-800-4-A-CHILD
If you have other contact details that you believe would be useful to others from anywhere in the world, please contact us and we would be pleased to add them.
