Youth organizations, including the Girl Scouts, have firm policies that prohibit child neglect and abuse. The organizations also have strict reporting policies if someone suspects abuse or neglect. However, in some cases, abuse may not be reported. When a parent knows the signs of Girl Scout abuse, he or she can see it before his or her child says something and can report the abuse.
Signs of Girls Scout Abuse
If you notice one or more signs of Girl Scout abuse, take action right away, including gently asking your child about it, reporting it to the proper authorities, and contacting a Girl Scout abuse attorney. Some of the signs include:
- Fear
- Anxiety
- Clinging to a parent
- Nightmares
- Trouble sleeping
- Phobias
- Withdrawing from friends
- Unable to concentrate and/or easily distracted
- Grades start plummeting
- Looking for excuses not to go to school or Girl Scout meetings
- Develops eating disorders
- Start self-harming
- Becomes verbally and/or physically aggressive
- Your child’s behavior becomes sexualized
- Your child shows signs of post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance abuse
Some of the clues you might look for if you suspect abuse but do not really see anything wrong with your child might include chronic abdominal pain, headache, no bowel movements, tenderness, distention, bruises, abnormal weight changes, difficulty walking, difficulty sitting, genital discomfort, poor hygiene, fractures, dislocations, defensive injuries, bite marks, burns, signs of restraints, extensive hair loss, facial injuries, subdural hematoma, and many other signs.
Your Girl Scout may be embarrassed to talk to you about abuse. In addition to contacting a child abuse attorney, also contact a child mental health professional to help you talk to your child about the potential abuse you suspect.
Where to Find a Child Abuse Attorney in Irvine, CA
Our team at The Cifarelli Law Firm is available to help your family get justice and ensure the person responsible for your child’s pain and suffering is held accountable. With extensive experience serving clients in Irvine and the surrounding areas in California, you can rest assured knowing our team will do everything possible to ensure you get justice. Schedule a consultation with our law firm today at 949-502-8600 to discuss your rights.
