Signs that a child has been sexually abused
View(s):Child sexual abuse is a serious worldwide problem that often goes unrecognized. This is because sexually abused children often remain silent about it, experts say. Sometimes they’re afraid that no one would believe them. Many of these children are ashamed, knowing intuitively that what’s happening to them isn’t right. What they usually don’t understand, however, is that the wrongdoer is the abuser and not they themselves, says paediatric psychiatrist Dr Ingo Spitczok von Brisinski.
Although they may not talk about it, sexually abused children frequently show changes in behaviour that can vary greatly from child to child. Some suddenly display sexual behaviour or knowledge that goes beyond “playing doctor” typical of their age group.
“A child who draws penises is also cause for suspicion,” says Spitczok von Brisinski. Another possible sign of sexual abuse is when a child no longer wants to see a particular person or go to a sport training course, for instance, and keeps finding new excuses why.
Relatives or acquaintances who suspect that a child is being sexually abused can call a child sexual abuse counselling centre. Spitczok von Brisinski advises doing this before speaking with the child, “otherwise you run the risk of inadvertently asking the child suggestive questions,” which could influence the child’s answers.
Alternatively, concerned parents can turn to a paediatric psychiatrist. Some sexually abused children also have other problems, such as an anxiety disorder or developmental delay, which the psychiatrist could look at as well, says Spitczok von Brisinski. (dpa)