“Bless Me Child for I Have Sinned” (2010-2013) by Trina McKillen, Image courtesy of AMA Journal of Ethics https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/
These days, children can become victims of sexual exploitation in a variety of ways. If the sexual predator is a parent, the incest is likely to be a closely held secret. Whoever the predator, sexual abuse has long-term, devastating consequences.
The warning signs of sexual abuse include the following [1]:
- A young child who suddenly has difficulty sitting or walking, suggesting injury to the genital area.
- A child who suddenly refuses to change for gym or take part in other physical activities at school.
- A child whose hygiene changes suddenly, since children who have been sexually abused may feel “dirty” and stop bathing (or become obsessed with cleanliness, and wash constantly).
- A child who demonstrates unusual knowledge of sex or sexualized behavior.
- A child who becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, especially under the age of fourteen.
- A child who says s/he has been sexually abused by a parent or caregiver.
We assume that the predator parent or caregiver (uncle, boyfriend, etc.) is likely to be secretive and isolated. This is not always, however, the case.
The sexual predator may be unusually “protective” of the abused child, often sharply restricting a child’s contact with other children – particularly those of the opposite sex.
Guardians
We are the only guardians children have against the darkness of this world. It is vital that we remain vigilant on their behalf.
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5: 8).
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[1] Prevent Child Abuse America, “Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know”, https://preventchildabuse.org/resource/recognizing-child-abuse-what-parents-should-know/.
Originally posted 1/26/20
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ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse and More 
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My daughter, who teaches 1st grade, is sadly very well versed in many of these signs of abuse.
It is heartbreaking that children even so young are at risk.
The best course of action is to stay vigilant, observe as many children in one’s surroundings as possible, take note of any warning signs, and report them to a local or online child protection organization. While a single effort may not always yield immediate results, when many people contribute their observations, child protection agencies can swiftly identify and apprehend predators with remarkable efficiency.
I fully agree. The more conscientious involvement, the better.
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Had a couple of those too. The truth came out in a therapy session, we investigated further and had to report. This is such a trip down Memory Lane, dear Anna!
I think it is important to emphasize that children must be isolated from the suspected predator, otherwise they might be endangered further.
So right. Sadly, children often feel that they are responsible for the dissolution of the family unit which is not, of course, the case. The predator is responsible for all consequences that follow. But child abuse advocacy agencies do attempt to place children w/ an extended family member, when possible, to preserve some semblance of “normalcy” for the child.
They do, when possible, but it’s not always feasible, sadly.
sobering