Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children and Adolescents
Changes in Emotions Acting aggressively Becoming angry for no apparent reason Having low self-esteem Having trouble developing or maintaining relationships Crying for no obvious reason Changes in Behavior Practicing self-harm Problems sleeping Changes in eating patterns Driving erratically Problems with alcohol or drugs Displaying problematic sexual behavior Getting gifts from an unknown source Changes in Social Life Spending more time on their own Changes in friendship groups Doing less well at school Avoiding activities they used to enjoy Distancing themselves from certain people or places Physical Signs Urinary tract infections Difficulty sitting or walking Symptoms of an STI Pain while going to the bathroom Signs that an Adult May Be Hurting a Child Aside from recognizing the warning signs in children and teens, you should also be aware of suspicious behavior that adults might exhibit. Be cautious of an adult who spends time with children and exhibits behaviors such as not respecting boundaries, becoming too friendly with them, expresses romantic interest, or gives them gifts without occasion or reason. Taking Action Taking action isn’t always easy, but it is incredibly important. It can be challenging to decide to step in if you suspect abuse, but here are some resources that can help: Public Health RAINN SAMHSA Mental Health Services Locator Stop It Now National Sexual Violence Resource Center Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Now that you understand the signs of sexual abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton are here to help you on your path to healing. We know how difficult it is to come forward and pursue a case against another individual after sexual assault. Our professional sexual abuse attorneys can help hold those who hurt you accountable for their actions. We have offices in Orem, sexual abuse is a public health problem, but understanding the signs of sexual abuse in children and adolescents is the first step to protecting them. Continue reading to learn about the warning signs you should be aware of and how to help a child in need. Signs in Children Children might not tell you that they have been sexually abused, or even fully understand what has happened to them. Understanding some of the signs of sexual abuse is essential if you have children or regularly care for them. Here are a few changes you might notice in a child who has been abused: Changes in Emotions Quieter or more distant than usual Crying for no obvious reason Having nightmares regularly Acting more clingy than usual Showing more aggression or anger Exceedingly worrisome Changes in Behavior Problems sleeping Not interested in playing Avoiding certain places or people Having a hard time at school Physical Signs Wetting the bed Pain while going to the bathroom Difficulty sitting or walking Urinary tract infections Signs in Adolescents Like young children, adolescents might not be willing to talk about their abuse, but it is still a common problem that you should be aware of. 66 percent of minor victims are between the ages of 12 and 17. Here are a few changes teenagers might exhibit: rovo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Reach out for your free case evaluation today.
Sexual Abuse Statistics Everyone Should Know
Sexual abuse statistics reveal that this is a significant public health problem in the United States. Experiencing sexual abuse can affect how a person thinks, acts, and feels over a lifetime. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent this type of mistreatment and numerous resources out there for healing. Essential Statistics Sexual abuse is a rampant problem spanning our nation. Understanding its severity can enable people to act and make an ongoing difference. Here are a few unsettling sexual abuse statistics that currently plague our country: An American is sexually abused every 73 seconds. From 2009-2013, Child Protective Services concluded that 63,000 children were abused each year. 66 percent of minor victims are between the ages of 12 and 17, and 33 percent are under the age of 12. 55 percent of sexual assaults happen at or near the victim’s home. Authorities respond to a report of child sexual abuse every nine minutes. Warning Signs in Young Children and Adolescents Considering the gravity of these horrifying numbers, everyone must be able to recognize the warning signs of sexual assault in young children and adolescents. Warning signs in young children: Not speaking as much as normal Overly compliant behavior Exceedingly worrisome Unexplained health problems Avoiding removing clothes, such as to take a bath Regressive behaviors, such as thumb sucking or bedwetting Warning signs in adolescents: Having extensive knowledge about sexual topics Drug and alcohol abuse Self-harm Sexual promiscuity Running away from home Depression and anxiety Keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list. If anything feels off while interacting with a child, pay attention to that feeling and look into it further. Sexual Abuse Prevention Stop It Now is an organization that aims to prevent sexual exploitation by mobilizing adults to take actions that protect children before they are harmed. They share an endless amount of helpful tips and resources for sexual abuse prevention, including: Create a safety plan for your loved ones to follow if they ever find themselves in an abusive situation. Here are the key aspects of a family safety plan: Educate the entire family on warning signs and what healthy sexual development is. Have clear and open communication. Set well-defined familial boundaries. Involve safe adults that children feel comfortable talking with. Become familiar with local resources. Have the courage to reach out for help. Speak up and have open dialogue when you suspect mistreatment. Learn about what makes a child vulnerable to exploitation and be aware of these factors. Resources If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse, several beneficial resources can help you on your path to healing. First, you can call the sexual assault hotline at 800-656-4673 any time; they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, many websites share excellent resources, including: Public Health RAINN SAMHSA Mental Health Services Locator Stop It Now National Sexual Violence Resource Center Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help Sexual abuse statistics prove that this problem is severe and ongoing. At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we know how difficult it is to come forward and pursue a case against another individual after sexual assault. Our legal team also understands the importance of having compassionate, personalized attention on your side during this difficult time. Our professional sexual abuse attorneys can help hold those who hurt you accountable for their actions. We have offices in Orem, Provo, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Reach out for your free case evaluation today.
My Loved One Doesn’t Want to Report Sexual Abuse: What Should I Do?
If someone you love has been victimized but does not want to report sexual abuse, it can be difficult knowing how to help them. Once they have entrusted you with their story, you might feel hopeless if they decline to speak to authorities about the assault. Fortunately, there are still many ways you can be an asset to them and aid them through the healing process. Why Someone Might Be Apprehensive to Report Sexual Abuse First, it is important to understand the variety of reasons your loved one might not want to report the abuse. They might be concerned that people won’t believe him/her. A victim might have fear about the criminal justice system. Their abuser might be someone they thought they could trust. They might believe that they “deserved it” based on events surrounding the attack, such as drugs or alcohol consumption. Having empathy, patience, and understanding is vital in your role as a supporter. Listen Intently and Believe Them If your loved one is not ready to seek immediate legal action, you can be a supporter by just taking the time to listen to them. Rather than asking a lot of questions, let your loved one know that you believe them and will do your best to support them. Reassure them that they are not alone, and refrain from judging or placing any blame on the victim. Here are a few appropriate responses you can share with your loved one or friend: “Thank you for sharing.” “You are not to blame for what happened to you.” “You didn’t deserve what happened to you.” “I’m sorry this happened to you.” “You are not what was done to you.” “I support you in your healing process.” “I respect you for addressing this.” “I love you.” Encourage Them to Get Help Your loved one might not be ready to report sexual abuse, but they need to understand the other options they have at their disposal. Medical Assistance- Encourage them to go to a hospital or a nearby Planned Parenthood Center for immediate medical attention if the sexual abuse happened recently. Offer to drive them there and sit with them throughout the examination. Therapy– For the long term, encourage them to see a licensed therapist or counselor to discuss what happened. Community Support Groups- Recommend joining a community support group. Your nearest Planned Parenthood Center can connect you with these groups in your area. Sexual Abuse Hotline– We are lucky to have a national sexual assault hotline available at all times. Suggest to your loved one that they reach out to RAINN for confidential and professional support. Don’t Pressure Them Ultimately, you cannot force your loved one to take action regarding their abuse. Your role as a supporter is to be patient and understanding. Provide them with recovery options, but never pressure them into moving faster than they are capable of. If they do decide to report the abuse, you can help by offering to be there with them. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here For You If you or a loved one is ready to report sexual abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is here to help you hold those responsible accountable for their actions. If you decide to pursue action against those who caused you harm, our team will stand by you. It is never too late to get the help you need. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us today.
How Can I Help a Loved One Heal From Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is horrific and, unfortunately, all too common in our country. No one deserves this type of abuse. According to RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network), an American is sexually assaulted every 73 seconds, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. These are shocking and quite scary statistics. The odds are high that you or someone close to you has been abused. A time may come when a friend or family member trusts you and shares their experience. When this happens, here are some ideas for you to help your loved one heal from their abuse. Actively Listen A person shows immense strength and courage when they make the decision to share their abuse experience. Doubts and fears flood the person, and they ask themselves questions like: “How will they react?”, “Will they think of me differently?”, and “Will they believe me?”. If someone trusts you enough to open up about their trauma, actively listen to them. Make sure there is nothing fighting for your attention and focus solely on them. Stay engaged the entire time and let them tell the story without interruption. Meet their vulnerability with empathy and kindness. Wendy Maltz, author and sex and relationship therapist, suggests this list of possible appropriate responses: “Thank you for sharing.” “You are not to blame for what happened to you.” “You didn’t deserve what happened to you.” “I’m sorry this happened to you.” “You are not what was done to you.” “That was abuse, not healthy sexuality.” “I support you in your healing process.” “I respect you for addressing this.” “I love you.” Do Not Doubt People respond to trauma differently, and they may retell the story in multiple ways. Some may try to lighten the mood by laughing, some may cry, and some may tell the story like it happened to someone else. No matter how the story is told, believe them. Acknowledge them and tell your loved one you believe them. If doubt is expressed, it could hinder their desire to seek the professional help they need. Keep Their Trust When a loved one opens up and shares their experience of sexual abuse, they have placed a lot of trust in you. It is vital that you keep their trust. That experience is not yours to share; it is theirs. Do not break their trust by telling their story to someone else unless they give you explicit instructions to do so. Breaking their trust can be just as detrimental as doubting their story. Your loved one may avoid seeking the help they need to get through this traumatic experience if they feel betrayed. Educate Yourself Do your research in understanding abuse and how it affects others. RAINN and the CDC offer fantastic resources on the subject. Read through these resources, understand them, and be prepared if someone chooses to open up to you. Understand the proper ways to respond and the subsequent steps to help your loved one heal from this terrible abuse. Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton is Here for You At Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we know how difficult it is to come forward and pursue a case against another individual after sexual abuse. Our legal team also understands the importance of having compassionate, personalized attention on your side during this difficult time. We can help hold those who hurt you accountable for their actions. We have offices in West Jordan and Utah County, Utah. Contact us today.