If Your Child Is Abused

TO STOP abuse, you must know when you see it. In the numerous books on the subject, experts have listed dozens of telltale signs that parents can watch for.  These include: complaints of pain while urinating or defecating, genital infections, abrasions or lesions in the genital area, the sudden onset of bed-wetting, appetite loss or other eating problems, precocious sexual behavior, a sudden fear of such places as school or parts of the house, periods of panic, an extreme fear of undressing, a fear of being al one with a familiar person, and self-mutilation.

However, be careful about jumping to conclusions. Most of these symptoms do not by themselves necessarily  mean that a child has actually been sexually abused. Each could indicate some other problem.  But if you see disturbing symptoms, gently broach the subject, perhaps with such a statement as: "If anyone ever touches you in way that make you feel uncomfortable, I want you to know that you can always tell me, and I'll do all I can to protect you.  Has anything like that ever happned to you?" -PROVERBS 20:5.

If your child discloses sexual abuse, you will no doubt feel shattered. But remember: Your reaction will play a major role in the child's recovery.  Your child has been carrying an unbearable burden and needs you, with all your adult strength, to lift it from her or his shoulders. Praise the child for being so brave as to tell you what happened.  Repeatedly reassure the child that you will do your best to provide protection; that the abuse was the abuser's fault, not the child's; that the child is not "bad"; that you love the child.

Next time: If Your Child Is Abused -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications