Abused children need professional help

Experts estimate that about 1% of children experience some form of sexual abuse each year. Unfortunately, this tragic problem often goes undetected sometimes throughout childhood and adolescence leaving many scars in adulthood.

The following is a partial list of problems that a sexually abused child often experiences:

• Sexual promiscuity.
• Physical or sexual abuse of younger children.
• Low self esteem.
• Eating disorders.
• Severe psychological difficulties, both as a child and later in life.
• Delinquency and criminal behavior.
• Fear of sex as an adult.
• Early pregnancy.
• Increased incidents of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Running away from home and school truancy.
• Withdrawal from social activities.

Sexual abuse in children often goes undetected and parental denial and/or lack of education about signs and symptoms of childhood sexual abuse keeps the problem hidden. The following is a partial list of signs and symptoms of sexual abuse in children:

• The child’s underclothing has been torn or shows signs of stains or blood.
• Complaints of pain and/or itching in the genital area of the child are evidence of trauma in the genital area.
• The presence of vaginal discharge or unusual odors around the child’s genital area.
• Unusually seductive or sexualized behavior on the child’s part.
• Art work or stories by the child that have strong and/or bizarre sexual content.
• Dress and behavior beyond a child’s chronological age.
• Pregnancy at a young age.
• Suicidal behavior or attempts.

Children and adolescents who have been abused have to deal with issues such as guilt, isolation, mistrust, anger and anxiety and depression in adulthood. Counseling can help heal many of the scars of sexual abuse.

Anyone suspecting abuse or neglect of a child is obligated to report it to the Texas Department of Human Resources or a law enforcement agency. Failure to do so can result in punishment and reports of child abuse and neglect can be made confidentially. Anyone suspecting abuse or neglect or abuse of a child should call the nearest child protective service office or the 24 hour child abuse hotline (1-800-252-5400) or a local law enforcement official.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1999