Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children

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What is child sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse is when an adult engages in any sexual behavior (looking, showing, or touching) with a child to meet the interest or sexual needs of the adult. In a lot of cases, children are too young to understand what is happening to them or to understand that what they are experiencing is wrong. If children do not report what is happening to them, the sexual abuse can go undetected. As a parent or caregiver, it is crucial to look out for the warning signs of sexual abuse in children.

Unfortunately, due to more and more young people using social media websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc., child sexual abuse is at an all-time high. Perpetrators of this crime strive to establish a connection with children either online or in-person to earn their trust; abusers may target and exploit the perceived vulnerabilities of children, including emotional neediness, isolation, neglect, an unstable home life, or lack of parental supervision, etc. Abusers can also be of any age, gender, race and may already be acquainted with the child, or they may be strangers. Abusers may sexually abuse children over a long period (months or years) or the abuse could occur over a short period of just a few weeks.

Types of sexual abuse

Contact and non-contact sexual abuse

There are two types of sexual abuse: contact and non-contact. Contact sexual abuse is when a predator makes physical contact with a child. For example, touching a child’s genitals or private parts for sexual purposes, making a child touch someone else’s genitals or play sexual games, or putting objects or body parts (like fingers, tongue or penis) inside the vagina, in the mouth, or in the anus of a child for sexual purposes is contact sexual abuse.

Non-contact sexual abuse is where a child is abused without being physically touched by the abuser. This can involve the perpetrator exposing children to indecent images or flashing themselves to children either online or in person. It can also involve encouraging a child to watch or hear sexual acts or inappropriately watching a child use the bathroom.

Grooming

Child grooming can take place online and in person; the perpetrator may begin an initial relationship with children online in order to prepare them for a face-to-face meeting. Predators do not always pursue a romantic connection at first. They may choose to present themselves as an authority figure, mentor, or a young person to who the child can relate. They also utilize other forms of communication such as email and messaging apps such as WhatsApp as well as social media websites to maximize their chances of grooming children. Online groomers may employ tactics such as giving advice or attention to especially vulnerable children who may lack a leader figure in their lives. Groomers who operate in person and who may already know the child that they are grooming might buy the child presents or take them on trips. A common tactic of groomers is to isolate the child from their family and friends so they are more susceptible to the perpetrator’s power and control.

Warning signs of sexual abuse in children

The warning signs of sexual abuse in children are not always obvious. Often, child abuse goes undetected as children do not realize what is happening to them. However, parents or guardians should look out for the following signs of sexual abuse in children:

  • Having a boyfriend or girlfriend who is much older than them.
  • Being secretive about how they’re spending their time, including when online.
  • Having new clothes and expensive items such as a mobile phone.
  • Not wanting to talk about where their new stuff has come from.
  • Skips school or sporting activities.
  • Substance abuse (underage drinking or drug-taking).
  • Spending more or less time on their phone, laptop, tablet, etc.
  • Being upset, withdrawn, or anxious.
  • No longer talking to you about their feelings.
  • Using inappropriate language or showing an understanding of sex that’s not appropriate for their age
  • Disappearing for long periods with no explanation as to where they have been.

 

Gaining the trust of the parent/caregiver

Abusers do not only target children; perpetrators work to gain the trust of parents/caregivers to lower suspicion and gain access to the child by providing seemingly friendly support. The following signs might indicate that someone is grooming you or your family with the intention of sexually abusing your child or the child you’re caring for:

  • They offer to babysit your child.
  • They offer to take the child on excursions/trips away.
  • They buy the family gifts.
  • Plays with your child and touches them in a non-sexual way as a means of getting you and your child used to physical contact.
  • They often compliment your family and your style of parenting.
  • They try to initiate a romantic relationship with you.
  • They offer to mentor / individually coach your child.

 

How you can help

Sexually abusing children is a heinous crime. If a child you know or a child in your care experiences sexual abuse, you shouldn’t feel guilty as these perpetrators are highly experienced and know how to proceed undetected. However, it is important to trust your instinct; if you spot warning signs of sexual abuse in children you should:

  • Prevent your child from being alone with the person you have suspicions about.
  • Refrain from letting the person do favours for your family
  • Speak with other families who also know the person; ask them what their relationship is like with the suspect.
  • Limit your child’s online activity.
  • Ask your child how they feel about the person by asking questions like ‘Do you like the way Person X acts around you?’ or ‘what type of activities do you do when Person X babysits you?’
  • Encourage your child to open up by asking questions like ‘Is anything worrying you?’ or ‘Are you OK?’
  • Visit https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/grooming/ or call the NSPCC’s number on + 0808 800 5000 for more advice.

 

Here at TDP solicitors, we are highly experienced in helping our clients to receive the justice they deserve. Speaking out can be extremely difficult, but our team of dedicated solicitors is here to help in a professional, non-judgmental environment. Call our team today on +0151 242 5111 for free, confidential advice.