Warning Signs of Child Sexual Abuse in Irvine

When your children suffer at the hands of the people you and your family trust, the impact can be devastating. Knowing the warning signs of child sexual abuse in Irvine can be crucial to protecting your child and preventing further harm.

We understand the emotional, physical, and mental toll that sexual abuse can cause. The dedicated child sexual abuse attorneys at the Cifarelli Law Firm help families and children seek justice and compensation for their injuries.

The Most Common Signs: Behavioral Changes

Significant changes in your child’s behavior are one of the biggest indications that abuse may be taking place. These changes will appear differently depending on your child and their age. For instance, they may suffer from night terrors, fear physical contact, or start avoiding certain people or places.

Similarly, they may begin to act younger than their age, say or do sexually inappropriate things, self-harm, or try to run away. They may also start acting out at school or try to avoid going altogether. Extreme changes in hygiene, appearance, and wardrobe may also be an indication that your child is a victim of sexual assault in Irvine.

In contrast, your child may also start taking on the role of caretaker or protector with younger kids or even become overinvolved in sports and academics.

Physical Signs of Abuse

Physical signs of child sexual abuse are not as common as many parents think. Groomers and abusers are often good at hiding signs, and children may conceal them out of shame. You should still watch for physical evidence of abuse, including:

• Bloody underwear or diapers and torn underclothing
• Bruising, swelling, or irritation in the genital area
• Difficulty with urinating, bowel movements, and urinary or yeast infections
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Pain, itching, or burning in the genital area, and sexually transmitted infections
• Pregnancy

If you notice any physical indicators of sexual abuse in your child, be sure to document them and take your child to see an Irvine doctor for appropriate treatment. Providing documentation to qualified healthcare providers is crucial to protecting your child from further harm and building a case against the abuser.

The Emotional Weight of Sexual Abuse

Emotional harm will often accompany the physical trauma that a child suffers from abuse. Children can experience severe mental and emotional distress, which may develop into mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. Behaviors that may suggest sexual abuse of children in Irvine include experiencing strong emotions such as shame, guilt, distrust, intense fears, anger, hopelessness, powerlessness, and feelings of worthlessness.

In some cases, particularly in adolescents, a sexual abuse victim may experience suicidal thoughts or ideation. Even if there are no outward signs, child victims should speak to qualified mental health providers and get treatment as soon as possible.

What Is Considered Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse can take on many forms, and your family should understand what sexual abuse is to determine whether your child may be experiencing its effects.

Some examples of abuse include:

• Sexually touching, fondling, or exposing private areas
• Putting objects or body parts inside a child’s mouth, anus, or vagina
• Masturbating or having sex in front of a child
• Sexually photographing a child or exposing them to pornography
• Watching a child undress or use the bathroom without their knowledge
• Making sexual proposals to a child over the internet

Overt sexual contact is not necessary to qualify as abuse.

Contact Our Irvine Attorneys To Learn More About Child Sexual Abuse Indicators

If you recognize warning signs of child sexual abuse in Irvine, the Cifarelli Law Firm is here to fight for your family. Our experienced sexual abuse attorneys combine compassion with fierce advocacy, helping your child move forward. Contact us now to schedule your consultation.