Is Your Child Being Molested? See Warning Signs

Child molestation is evil! Not only does it have immediate negative effects on the child, it may also affect their future. Unfortunately, it’s not a topic most parents like to talk about. Sometimes, we feel too shy or even ashamed to discuss or face the issue, particularly if we suspect it is being perpetuated by someone known or close to us. The truth, however, is that it has to be dealt with and more importantly, prevented.

Most children find it difficult to tell anyone they have been molested or abused for fear of being condemned. In other cases, they are simply unsure of how to react.

Therefore, to avoid this dastardly act, parents must be vigilant and sensitive to their children’s behavioural patterns in order to spot warning signs and prevent their child from falling prey.

Below are common signs to watch out for…

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• Fear of a person or intense dislike at being left alone somewhere or with someone (relatives, house help, caregivers, neighbours, etc).
• Running away from a place or a person.
• Abnormal and excessive crying without provocation.
• Loss of appetite and change in eating pattern.
• Bedwetting, nightmares, disrupted sleeping pattern.
• Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, limping, rashes.
• Stained or torn underwear.
• Swollen genitals, vaginal or rectal bleeding, vaginal discharge or STD.
• Unusual interest in or knowledge of sexually related matters or expression of affection in ways inappropriate for a child that age.
• Unwarranted aggression.
• Sudden drop in grades.
• Fearfulness and withdrawal.

READ ALSO: How To Prrotect Your Kids From Sexual Abuse

Like the saying goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’. So, arm yourselves with these tips to prevent your child from falling victim…

• First, listen to your children. Pay attention if they tell you they aren’t comfortable going somewhere or being with someone.
• Talk to your children and let them know there is nothing they cannot tell you. In fact, encourage them to report events to you.
• Explain to them where it is and is not okay to be touched on their bodies and by whom.
• Teach your kids that it is OK to shout “No,” when they are feeling uncomfortable or violated in any way.
• Teach them not to keep secrets about anyone touching their body parts.
• As much as possible, know where your kids are at all times.
• Know who their friends are, who the caregivers in the homes they visit are as well.
• Watch out for teenagers or adults that pay an unusual amount of attention or wish to spend a lot time with your child, especially time that is unsupervised.
• Choose your babysitters carefully. Ask for personal references guarantors, and check up on them unexpectedly from time to time.
• Practice safety skills with your kids. Have a plan in place in case they run into trouble. Discuss the possibilities as openly and honestly as possible so that they can be equipped to handle an emergency if it arises.
• Teach them what to do if a stranger approaches them (to yell a loud “NO!” while running towards safety, for example).  Teach them your home address and your phone number from as early as possible so you can be contacted when they get help.