Recognizing the Signs of Abuse
Posted Courtesy of The Shreveport Times (http://www.shreveporttimes.com)
Published on 6/26/05
By Brian Vernellis
Of The Shreveport Times Staff
Sexual abuse counselors say there is no telltale sign a child exhibits if they are a victim of sexual molestation. Instead, parents need to be aware of a variety of symptoms.
Avoidance or fear of people, social withdrawal, poor school performance, protectiveness of siblings and sexually aggressive behavior toward peers are some of the signs a parent must recognize.
Nationally, 50 percent of childhood sexual abuse victims have been abused by someone outside of their family whom they trust, according to statistics at Darkness To Light's Web site. That group of trusted outsiders can also include youth sports coaches, teachers and youth organization leaders.
"I've had, even as recent as (two weeks ago), a child who is only like eight years old, but he has experimented with masturbating already," said licensed professional counselor Jeff Darby.
"You would think that an 8-year-old would not do that even though it is normal for a child to discover their body. This little boy was molested and has been overexposed to different things because of this other lifestyle."
Jessica Milan, executive director of the Gingerbread House, has witnessed a spike in reported cases. The Gingerbread House is a non-profit organization that investigates and treats cases of sexual abuse in children.
The organization works with children as young as 2 years old, but the bulk of its cases are children between 7 and 10 years old.
She estimates an annual increase of 32 percent in cases reported to the organization over a four-year period. Milan believes the increase isn't due to a rise in perpetrators, but an increase in awareness of the crime.
Background checks can be effective in the battle to keep pedophiles away from youth athletic leagues, but the best line of defense begins at home. Parents need to discuss with their children the difference between an appropriate and inappropriate touch.
The screening process can locate sexual predators, but it still can miss many others. Jody Plauché, a sexual assault counselor with the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County (Pa.), stresses the importance of parents teaching their children what is an inappropriate touch.
"A lot of times people want the quick fix," said Plauché.
"That's my issue with Megan's Law, the sex offender registration. If you're telling your kid not to go across the street without telling your kid why, without teaching them the touching and safety rules, then you're going to miss the person down the road who hasn't been caught yet."
Parents also become too relaxed with their children playing organized sports when their guard should be heightened. Parents believe a league has taken the necessary steps to authorize a coach, instead of investigating or asking other parents about a new coach.
"I don't think anyone looks after my children the way that I did and I personally think that every parent ought to exercise that responsibility," said Earl Haynes, superintendent of Bossier Parks and Recreation.
"When you have children that is your responsibility. We do everything we can to keep them safe."
Teaching children about sexual abuse
Teach children correct names for body parts, including genitalia.
Help young children remember by using a description such as "body parts covered by a swimsuit."
Establish family rules about touching.
Tell children that no one has the right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable.
Teach your child three steps: No, Go, Tell.
A child must say words that mean no, get away as quickly as possible and tell an adult.
Safety steps help children know what to do.
Remember it is never a child's fault if someone breaks the touching rules.
Source: The Gingerbread House
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