The frequency of child sexual abuse in the United States is shocking.

Every nine minutes, child protective services substantiates or finds evidence for a claim of child sexual abuse (RAINN). Sadly, the number of victims is likely much greater because child sexual assault goes vastly underreported.

Even worse, children are being sexually abused in schools, daycares, churches, and other institutions parents trust to care for their children and keep them safe. The perpetrators of child sexual abuse are overwhelmingly someone the victim knows. Often, the abuser is an adult leader, teacher or even a peer. Below are some of the most common places where children are sexually abused:

  • Churches and religious institutions.

  • Daycare centers and in-home daycares.

  • Military schools.

  • Private and boarding schools.

  • Public schools.

  • Youth sports teams and athletic programs.

  • Medical facilities.

  • Youth programs such as Boy Scouts.

  • Other institutions that teach, mentor or sponsor children.

If an organization or institution such as a church or school knew about the abuse or could have stopped it from happening, they may be held liable and owe you compensation for the abuse your child suffered. 

The attorneys at Contigo Centro Legal fight for victims of child sexual abuse. We provide a safe, compassionate place for you to share your story and learn about your legal rights and options. We have the knowledge and experience to fight for the justice your child deserves and the compensation needed to help your child heal from the emotional trauma associated with child sexual abuse.

What is Child Sexual Abuse?

Child sexual abuse occurs when an adult or adolescent forces, pressures or manipulates a child into any form of sexual activity. Child sexual abuse takes numerous forms and can also include activity that does not involve physical contact. Examples of child sexual abuse include:

  • Exposing oneself to a minor.

  • Fondling.

  • Sexual intercourse or related sexual acts with a minor.

  • Psychological pressure to engage in sexual activity.

  • Masturbating in the presence of a minor or forcing a child to masturbate.

  • Producing, owning, or sharing pornographic images or movies of children.

  • Sexual interaction with a child through digital forms of communication (e.g., by text, phone call, internet/social media messaging).

Under federal definitions of consensual sexual activity, no child can consent to sexual activity with an adult. Regardless of whether the abuse involved physical conduct or the use of force or violence, all acts of sexual misconduct involving child victims can be punishable by law.

Who are Common Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse?

According to RAINN, 93 percent of child sexual abuse perpetrators are known to the victim. This means the perpetrator can be a: 

  • Family member.

  • Friend of the family.

  • Teacher.

  • Coach.

  • Religious leader.

  • Community leader.

  • Youth group leader.

Child sexual abuse perpetrators come from a range of backgrounds and have different characteristics. They may appear friendly and welcoming and seem unlikely to commit such egregious acts of harm. Do not be fooled by their outer appearance. Trust your instincts if you suspect someone could be a perpetrator of child sexual abuse.

In recent years, there have been numerous cases of child sexual abuse uncovered in religious organizations, prominent sports organizations and youth-serving entities. The perpetrators were revealed to be religious leaders; gymnastics coaches and team physicians; Boy Scout leaders; and people associated with public schools, daycare services and youth camps.

Both the perpetrators and the institutions that employ them can be held liable for child sexual abuse, depending on the facts of the case. The child sex abuse attorneys at Contigo Centro Legal will evaluate your case and help you understand your options for seeking justice for your child.

How does Child Sexual Abuse Affect Victims?

The trauma of child sexual abuse can have lasting effects on victims’ physical and psychological well-being. Victims of child sexual abuse are at a greater risk of experiencing significant hardships including:

  • Anxiety disorders.

  • Behavioral problems.

  • Depression.

  • Disturbed sleep patterns.

  • Feelings of shame and guilt.

  • Eating disorders.

  • Personality disorders.

  • Substance abuse.

It is common for victims of child sexual abuse to go without professional help for a long time – or ever. Experiencing child sexual abuse is a trauma that cannot be reversed, and it can take an extended amount of time for a child to heal. Bringing a lawsuit against the perpetrator and organization responsible for the abuse can help you obtain the resources your child needs to heal.

Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Perpetrators will take steps to hide their actions, so it is not always easy for parents to identify the warning signs of child sexual abuse. If you notice a difference in your child’s behavior or something about your child is making you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and continue to watch for signs of sexual abuse. 

According to RAINN, there are many behavioral, emotional, and even physical signs of child sexual abuse. Behavioral signs of child sexual abuse include:

  • Excessive talking or knowledge about sexual topics.

  • Keeping secrets or not talking as much as usual.

  • Being afraid to be left alone with certain people or not wanting to be away from primary caregivers (especially if this is new behavior).

  • Regressive behaviors or resuming behaviors they had grown out of such as bedwetting.

  • Overly compliant behavior.

  • Spending an unusual amount of time alone.

  • Avoiding removing clothing to change or bathe.

Emotional signs of child sexual abuse:

  • Change in eating habits.

  • Change in mood or personality.

  • Decrease in confidence or self-image.

  • Increase in unexplained health problems such as stomach aches and headaches.

  • Loss of interest in school, activities, friends.

  • Nightmares or fear of being alone at night.

  • Self-harming behaviors.

Physical signs include:

  • Sexually transmitted infections.

  • Signs of trauma to the genital area, such as unexplained bleeding, bruising or blood on the sheets, underwear or other clothing.

The most important thing for parents to remember is to watch for sudden changes in your child’s behavior. Trust your instincts and act on your feelings if something with your child seems abnormal. If your child tells you someone makes them uncomfortable, even if they cannot tell you anything specific, listen to what they are saying and determine the best course of action.

What You Can Do to Protect Your Child from Sexual Abuse

It is impossible for parents to be everywhere all the time. But there are things you can do to protect your child from becoming a victim of sexual abuse, or to protect your child if you suspect he or she may be a victim:

  • Talk to your child early and often. Sexual assault often occurs after an extended period of harassment or grooming. The best thing you can do is listen and watch for the warning signs early on. Maintaining open communication is key.

  • Question your child about trusted adults. Your child spends a lot of time around teachers, coaches, scout leaders and church officials. Below are questions you can ask about those interactions:

    • Are the adult and your child ever alone? Every institution should have rules and policies prohibiting an adult from being alone with a child.

    • Does any adult ever ask your child to keep secrets? This is an enormous red flag and a primary strategy for an adult abuser to begin grooming your child.

    • Is there any hugging or physical contact? Use your discretion. Not every hug from another adult is a sign of danger, but you should start to question hugging that occurs too frequently and could involve touching in areas other than your child’s back and arms.

  • Encourage your child to be honest. Maintain open and honest communication with your child and try not to get angry or punish your child if he or she does something wrong. Abusers emotionally and mentally manipulate their victims. If the abuser gets your child to break rules (or convinces your child he or she broke a rule), then the abuser has leverage and will tell your kid that adults will not believe him or her.

  • Equip your child with information about physical touching and sexual education. At an early age, help your child understand when boundaries are being crossed. Even when your child is young, explain the difference between a good touch and a bad touch.

  • Listen to your instinct. Trust yourself. You know when your child is acting differently. Not all unusual behavior is a sign of danger, but it could be a sign that you need to start asking questions and looking closer. Look for signs your child is being groomed or has been abused:

    • Ongoing nightmares, especially for younger children.

    • Anxiety, withdrawal, depression, anger, rebellion.

    • Overt sexual behavior and language.

These signs will not be physical and may not be obvious. Listen to your inner voice and   question why you are seeing a difference in your child.

  • Monitor social media. Social media can have extremely harmful effects and can impact under-developed minds in ways we have not even begun to understand. Social media and messaging can provide a direct line of private communication for predators and abusers to access children. You MUST monitor your child’s social media and stay informed about apps and programs that can give abusers access to your child.

  • Question the institutions that care for your child. You should expect these institutions to have policies in place to protect your child, but sometimes even policies do not prevent abuse from happening. Ask if the institution has:

    • Background checks on the adults that will be around children.

    • Policies prohibiting adults from being alone with children.

    • Policies banning bullying and sexual assault.

    • Regular training for staff members.

As parents, we want to trust the institutions that care for our children, but unfortunately, child sexual assault occurs way too often in these places. It is critical for parents to know the signs and ways to protect their children from abuse. 

If you have reported a sexual abuse incident and the institution ignored it, do not stop fighting for your child’s rights. Do not convince yourself it did not happen. And, do not be scared. You are not alone. We are here to help. Contact Contigo Centro Legal at 816-800-8000 or click on the chat button for more information. 

We Fight for Justice for Victims of Child Sexual Abuse

The attorneys at Contigo Centro Legal dedicate their practice to fighting for victims of child sexual abuse. We offer a safe place for you to share your story, and we will listen with compassion and kindness. 

We offer free consultations, which means we will gather the facts of your case and explain your legal rights and options at no upfront cost to you. If we determine you have a case, we will fight for justice and seek the maximum compensation possible so that your child can get the help needed to heal. Contact us for a free consultation today at 816-800-8000 or click on the chat button for help.

 

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