Just in case someone is lurking and reads this thread, I thought the least I could do is add something helpful from a reputable and legitimate source.
This is just a basic elementary overview but at least it is a starting point for a parent who suspects their child has been abused:
http://www.aacap.org/publications/factsfam...am/sexabuse.htm
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Child sexual abuse has been reported up to
80,000 times a year, but the number of unreported instances is far
greater, because the children are afraid to tell anyone what has happened,
and the legal procedure for validating an episode is difficult. The
problem should be identified, the abuse stopped, and the child should
receive professional help. The long-term emotional and psychological
damage of sexual abuse can be devastating to the child.
Child sexual abuse can take place within the
family, by a parent, step-parent, sibling or other relative; or outside
the home, for example, by a friend, neighbor, child care person, teacher,
or stranger. When sexual abuse has occurred, a child can develop a variety
of distressing feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
No child is psychologically prepared to cope
with repeated sexual stimulation. Even a two or three year old, who cannot
know the sexual activity is "wrong," will develop problems resulting from
the inability to cope with the overstimulation.
The child of five or older who knows and
cares for the abuser becomes trapped between affection or loyalty for the
person, and the sense that the sexual activities are terribly wrong. If
the child tries to break away from the sexual relationship, the abuser may
threaten the child with violence or loss of love. When sexual abuse occurs
within the family, the child may fear the anger, jealousy or shame of
other family members, or be afraid the family will break up if the secret
is told.
A child who is the victim of prolonged sexual
abuse usually develops low self-esteem, a feeling of worthlessness and an
abnormal or distorted view of sex. The child may become withdrawn and
mistrustful of adults, and can become suicidal.
Some children who have been sexually abused
have difficulty relating to others except on sexual terms. Some sexually
abused children become child abusers or prostitutes, or have other serious
problems when they reach adulthood.
Often there are no obvious physical signs of
child sexual abuse. Some signs can only be detected on physical exam by a physician.
Sexually abused children may develop
the following:
unusual interest in or avoidance of all
things of a sexual nature
sleep problems or nightmares
depression or withdrawal from friends or
family
seductiveness
statements that their bodies are dirty or
damaged, or fear that there is something wrong with them in the genital
area
refusal to go to school
delinquency/conduct problems
secretiveness
aspects of sexual molestation in drawings,
games, fantasies
unusual aggressiveness, or
suicidal behavior
Child sexual abusers can make the child
extremely fearful of telling, and only when a special effort has helped
the child to feel safe, can the child talk freely. If a child says that he
or she has been molested, parents should try to remain calm and reassure
the child that what happened was not their fault. Parents should seek a
medical examination and psychiatric consultation.
Parents can prevent or lessen the
chance of sexual abuse by:
Telling children that "if someone tries to
touch your body and do things that make you feel funny, say NO to that
person and tell me right away"
Teaching children that respect does not
mean blind obedience to adults and to authority, for example, don't tell
children to, "Always do everything the teacher or baby-sitter tells you
to do"
Encouraging professional prevention
programs in the local school system
Sexually abused children and their families
need immediate professional evaluation and treatment. Child and adolescent
psychiatrists can help abused children regain a sense of self-esteem, cope
with feelings of guilt about the abuse, and begin the process of
overcoming the trauma. Such treatment can help reduce the risk that the
child will develop serious problems as an adult.
