kentucky association children advocacy center

Our Mission: To promote, assist, and support the development, growth, and continuation of Children's Advocacy Centers in the state of Kentucky.

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse affects many of our Commonwealth’s children. Victims will often react in varying ways. The following is meant to give you an idea of possible signs of abuse.

Preschool through young school age children:	BEHAVIORAL
		-fear of adults and specific adults -withdrawal or regression -eating and sleeping disturbances -use of sexual terms/new names for body parts -excessive masturbation -frantic when changing diaper -inserting objects into vagina or rectum -shrinking away from physical contact -unusual fears/phobias esp. of a particular place/person
	PHYSICAL
		-pain with urination or defecation -bleeding/bruises in genital area -venereal diseases/ frequent infections of genitals -genital irritation -difficulty walking or sitting
Older school age children through adolescents:
	BEHAVIORAL
		-overly mature/promiscuous -phobias/fear of going home, etc. -clinging and/or aggressive behaviors -sexualized or bizarre drawings -refusal to undress for gym -fear of bathrooms/closed doors -bedwetting or day wetting -major weight changes -depression or hysteria -suicidal threats/attempts
	PHYSICAL	-venereal disease/frequent infections -torn, stained or bloody underclothing -difficulty walking or sitting -pain with urination or defecation

For more information on warning signs of child sexual abuse, click here.

Needs of a Child Victim

There is little that is more frightening or devastating than hearing your child say that someone touched them. Often times however, the children reveals their abuse in more subtle ways, through off-hand comments or even more likely through their behaviors. One of the most important moments in a child’s healing is how you handle that revelation, especially if she/he tells you directly. Often a child will interpret your reaction of anger, disgust, or disbelief as being directed at him/her instead of at the act or the perpetrator. This makes a child likely to shut down and may refuse to speak rather than face the fear that you may actually be angry or disgusted at them. If a child reveals abuse to you, remember…

-be calm and steady in your demeanor.

-tell the child that you believe them and are glad that they told you.

-let him/her know that it is not their fault.

-let the child know that you will need to contact someone to help both of you and that person may need to talk to him/her about what he/she has told you.

Reporting Child Sexual Abuse

If you have any reason to suspect that a child (your own or any other) has been abused sexually or physically, or is being neglected, it is your legal responsibility (KRS 620.030) to report your suspicions. It is not your responsibility to investigate or to have positive proof—only to have reasonable cause for suspicion.

To report abuse or a concern, call…

-your local Department for Community Based Services or the state DCBS line at 1-800-752-6200.

-if the child is in immediate danger, call your local law enforcement.

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POSSIBLE SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE Sexual abuse affects many of our Commonwealth’s children. Victims will often react in varying ways. The following is meant to give you an idea of possible signs of abuse.

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Sexual abuse affects many of our Commonwealth’s children. Victims will often react in varying ways. The following is meant to give you an idea of possible signs of abuse.