Signs That Tell If An Adult Might Be Indulging In Child Sexual Abuse

Signs That Tell If An Adult Might Be Indulging In Child Sexual Abuse

Disclaimer: This is my personal blog and all the views and thoughts expressed here are my own.

The increasing reports of child sexual abuse making the news is alarmingly appalling. With schools talking about it, play-dates turning ugly, sleep-overs becoming unpopular, adults not sparing children as little as a few months, one wonders where this is going to end!
Research shows that most of the times, the perpetrators of such child sexual abuse are known to the child. Hence an adult familiar to the child is more inclined to abusing a child.  When this happens, not only is the child violated physically, but it also tormented at emotional and psychological levels.

There is an overwhelming sense of betrayal and a complete loss of security. The fear and insecurity that emerges is hard to deal with. Feeling of safety is the most basic need of any living being.

As human beings our bodies and minds are programmed to thrive on the feeling of safety. The dilemma a child faces in such situation is beyond imagination.

One of the hardest things for parents to discover is that their child has been sexually harmed or abused by someone they know. In this situation, denial, shock and anger are normal reactions. If it is not responded to quickly and sensitively, the effect on the whole family can be devastating.

Child Sexual Abuse

As a parent, it always helps to have in your arsenal, the signs that your child might show in such an unfortunate situation. The signs that an adult might use his/her relationship with a child for sexual reasons may not be obvious but if parents are vigilant enough, an potential abuser can be identified way before the abuse happens.

1. Favoring a child, being overly affectionate and creating reasons for them to be alone.
2. Insisting on physical affection such as kissing, hugging or wrestling even when the child says no.
3. Always volunteers to babysit without even been requested.
4. If an adult is insisting or coaxing a child to be alone with no interruptions and in a private area like their room.
5. Always wants to take children out alone.
6. Showers gifts or gives a children money or take them toy/candy shopping for no apparent reason.
7. Does not respect a child’s privacy.
8. Always sits next to the child with discomforting physical proximity.
9. Talks on behalf of the child in front of parents and instructs parents in front of the child to show command.

Child sexual abuse can be prevented. Educating your child  about child sexual abuse is the first step. Being vigilant and cautious as an adult, the second most important.