Child Protection - Ending Sexual Abuse


Isn’t It Time?
Children are the future of our planet. Their safety and happiness is entrusted to us.

As we’ve discussed in our articles on child abuse, abuse comes in many formats. One of the most insidious is sexual abuse. Prevention methods have been carefully developed by social workers, psychologists and law enforcement officials.

All problems we face in society call for proactive measures. Parents, teachers and other caretakers have a responsibility as guardians of children to take these actions.

According to Californias’ Crime Watch, a program from the Office of Criminal Justice Planning, of the first steps we can take is to become observant of the children in our lives.

Children who are too frightened to talk about sexual molestation may exhibit a variety of physical and behavioral signs. These are some of the signs that are symptoms of abuse:
  • Changes in behavior such as withdrawal, fearfulness, crying without provocation.
  • Torn or stained underclothing
  • Appetite disturbances.
  • Disturbed sleep patterns, recurrent nightmares, or fear of the dark.
  • Returning to more infantile behavior such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, or excessive crying.
  • Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals, vaginal discharge or sexually transmitted diseases.
  • Unusual interest or knowledge of sexual matters, expressing affection in ways inappropriate for a child of that age. Fear of a person or an intense dislike at being left somewhere or with someone
  • Other behavioral signals such as aggressive behavior, running away, failing in school or delinquent behavior.

Becoming observant of children is the first step in becoming conscious of the problem. In future additions of Celebrations and on Kind Planet we will explore other important steps to take. Someday, together, we will create a national consciousness that will stamp out sexual molestation.
Thanks For Caring!

Want To Add An Article? Be Notified Of New Kind Planet Content? Communicate With Us? Contact
Kind Planet is created at The Sanctuary. Lost? Go to the Site Map or Search Our Site