Tips to Parents
Children who May be too frightened to talk about sexual molestation may exhibit a variety of physical and behavioral signals. Any or several of these signs may be significant. Parents should assume responsibility for noticing such symptoms including:
* Extreme changes in behavior such as loss of appetite.
* Recurrent nightmares or disturbed sleep patterns and fear of the dark.
* Regression to more infantile behavior such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, or excessive crying.
* Torn or stained underclothing.
* Vaginal infections or venereal disease.
* Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals, and vaginal discharge.
* Unsual interest in or knowledge of sexual matters, expressing affection in ways inappropriate for a child of that age.
* Fear of a person or an intense dislike at being left somewhere or with someone.
* Other behavioral singials such as aggressive or disruptive behavior, withdrawal, running away or delinquent behavior, failing in school.
* If you notice any of these behaviors seek help for your child immediately.
* Believe the Child. Children rarely lie about sexual abuse
* Commend the child for telling you about the experience.
* Convey your support for the child. A child's greatest fear is that he or she is at fault and responsible for the sexual abuse that happened to them. Alleviating this self-blame is of paramount importance.
* Temper your own reaction, recognizing that your perspective and acceptance are critical signals to the child. Your greatest challenge may be to not convey your own horror about the about the abuse.
* Do not go th the school or program to talk about your concern. Instead, report the suspected molestation to a social services agency or the police.
* Find a specialized agency that evaluates sexual abuse victims--a hospital or a child welfare agency or a community mental health therapy group. Keep asking until you find a group or an individual with appropriate expertise.
* Search for a physician with the experience and training to detect and recognize sexual abuse when you seek a special medical examination for your child. Community sexual abuse treatment programs, childrens' hospital and medical societies may be sources for referrals.
* Talk with other parents to ascertain whether there are unusual behavior or physical symptoms in their children.
* Remember that taking action is critical because if nothing is done, other children will continue to be at risk. Child sexual abuse is a community interest and concern.
* Make sure that your child knows that if someone does something confusing to them, like touching or taking a naked picture of them or giving them gifts, that you want to be told about it. Reassure the child and explain that he or she will not be blamed for what ever an adult does to or with the child.
SCSAC 770-603-4045
Crisis Line 770-477-2177
Henry Co. 770-507-7772
Angela P. Shannon, M.D.
Child,Adolescent and Adult Psychiatry
770-389-8100
Odyssey Family Counseling Center
404-669-3462
McDonough 770-957-6256
RAINN 24 Hour Hotline
1-800-656-Hope(4673)
Ga. Council on Child Abuse 1-800-532-3208
Promise Place
770-460-1604
Crisis Line 770-929-7529
Securus House
770-961-7233
Don't Keep Silent about Sexual Abuse of any Kind.
Let your community know this will not be tolerated.
The Facts Are:
* 1 in 3 women will be assaulted in her lifetime
* 1 in 6 men will be assaulted in his lifetime
* Girls age 11-25 are 3 times more likely to be assaulted that any other group
* Most victims know their assailant
* It affects persons of every community, religion, race, age, class and gender.
* The saddest fact is that children are often silent victims of this crime.
