April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Spotting Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

According to U.S. Department of Health & Human Services every 9 minutes, government authorities respond to another report of child sexual abuse.1

 Knowing the signs a child has been sexually assaulted or abused is a critical first step for that victim to receive the support needed.

April is National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Kimberly Wald is a member of the American Association of Justice’s Child Sex Abuse Litigation Group, National Crime Victim Bar Association, and an attorney for victims of sexual assault. She fights for with victims of domestic and sexual violence in civil court.

Wald says it is important to remember it is not always easy to spot sexual abuse because the predators take steps to hide their crimes and trauma for a child can mirror seemingly common behaviors for children.

1. Listen to your instincts. If you notice something that isn’t right or someone in a child’s life is making you uncomfortable—it’s important to trust your gut. 
2. Seek professional help of how to best talk way to the child or the children’s parent/guardian in age-appropriate ways.
3. Some physical signs of abuse include trauma to the genital area, post toilet training bed wetting, and bleeding. 
4. Some behavioral signs of abuse include excessive knowledge of sexual topics, spending unusual amount of time alone, trying to remove clothing to change or bathe.
5. Emotional signs of abuse can include:

• • Change in eating habits or personality.
  • excessive worry or fearfulness
  • loss or decrease of interest in school, activities, and friends

It can be challenging to step in if you suspect something isn’t right.  Remember, you are not alone. If you suspect a child in your life may be experiencing sexual abuse, you can talk to someone who is trained to help. Call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or chat online at online.rainn.org.