Category: Child Sex Abuse

What Parents of Child Sexual Abuse Victims Should Understand About Psychosomatic Symptoms

Every child who goes through the trauma of sexual abuse will react differently, and it’s fairly common for children to show mostly physical symptoms after an emotional trauma. Children who have trouble processing a traumatic event often complain of stomachaches, headaches, dizziness, and other physical symptoms instead of more emotional complaints like depression or anxiety—even when those physical symptoms don’t seem to be related to a specific illness or injury.

Although a child of any age may exhibit these kinds of linked physical-emotional symptoms, it may be an even more common sign of trauma in children who are not yet verbal or aren’t sure how to talk about what has happened to them. If you are the parent of a child who may have been sexually abused, here are two things you should try to understand about “psychosomatic symptoms” and physical complaints:

• Psychosomatic symptoms aren’t “all in your child’s head.” Although psychosomatic symptoms are related to a mental or emotional trauma, they symptoms and experience of the symptoms can be very real for your child.
• Don’t ignore complaints of physical symptoms, even if your child doesn’t show signs of illness. Keep in mind that your child is probably not intentionally “faking” these symptoms or complaining about nothing. There may actually be an underlying physical cause, and consistent psychosomatic symptoms deserve a thorough examination by a qualified doctor or therapist.

If you’re unsure about physical or emotional signs that your child is in distress, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctors or care providers about the symptoms and behaviors you’ve noticed and what you can do to get the help you need while your child recovers.

For more information about how your family can recover—physically, financially, legally, and emotionally—from child sexual abuse, contact our Chicago legal office directly at 312-332-1400 or toll-free at 312-332-1400.

Recognize the Warning Signs of an Inappropriate Relationship With a Coach

It’s not clear how many instances of child sex abuse by coaches and sports instructors go unreported, but it is clear that the abuse of youth athletes is more widespread than most people might believe. However, parents can protect their children by learning what signs to watch for—both in children and the adults they trust.

Potential Signs of Abuse in Young Athletes

It’s not always easy to recognize the signs of sexual abuse in a child, and some signs could have unrelated causes. However, children often exhibit one or more of the following signals when sexual abuse occurs:

• Nightmares and sleep disturbance
• Sudden changes in mood or behavior
• Mood swings
• Acting out adult sexual behaviors
• Physical complaints, such as urinary tract infections, pain, or bruising

Potentially Suspicious Behavior by Coaches and Adults in Youth Sports Programs

Many sexual abusers don’t fit stereotypes, and it’s often hard for parents to believe that a respected coach or educator may be hurting children. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children recommends that parents pay attention to the following warning signs of an inappropriate relationship with a coach or instructor:

• Makes an effort to schedule private practices or spend unsupervised time with children
• Makes physical contact with children when not necessary for training
• Gives special attention or gifts to a favorite child or children
• Jokes about, talks about, or shares sexually explicit information with youth teams
• Compliments or harasses children about appearance or sexual development

 

If you suspect your child has been sexually abused by a coach, you need personalized answers about your rights and what happens next. Reach out to our legal office today for a free and confidential meeting with our experienced attorneys.

Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Continues Despite High-Profile Cases

Although many people are quick to believe that recent, well-publicized cases of child sexual abuse in schools and religious communities across the nation have reduced the amount of abuse that goes on in these kinds of institutions, the truth is that sexual abuse is still a risk. More people are now aware of the issue in light of major cases covered in the media, such as the allegations against the Catholic Church, but this new awareness has not stopped children from being sexually abused by adult authority figures in schools, afterschool activities, and community groups. In fact, the response to this greater awareness may make it even more difficult to report and pursue cases of potential sexual abuse.

Institutional Policies on Child Sexual Abuse Create Bigger Problems

While highly publicized cases of child sex abuse have not stopped abuse from happening, they have meant that institutions that work with children are being more careful about putting policies in place that protect their image if allegations do come up. It hasn’t been unusual in the past for suspected abusers to be moved to another facility or for claims of child sexual abuse to be quietly settled with families away from the public eye. While many families do hope to avoid publicity when sexual abuse is involved, these kinds of actions can:

• Hide abuse from public sight
• Open the potential for other children to be abused
• Help abusers avoid accountability for devastating abuse

 

Additionally, even employees of these institutions who try to report suspected abuse may be deterred from taking their complaints further or making the issue public. Companies and organizations may make it difficult for adults to report suspected sexual abuse of a child to the appropriate authorities, especially when there is very little evidence against the abuser.

Getting Help If Your Child Has Been Abused by an Adult Authority Figure

Whether the potential abuser is a teacher, coach, pastor, or employee of a childcare facility, parents can take legal action to hold sexual abusers responsible for emotionally and physically hurting a child. For more information about your family’s rights after allegations of sex abuse, or to make contact with an experienced attorney who can answer your questions confidentially, call our Chicago office today at 312-332-1400 or use the Live Chat button on this page.

Four Choices That Help Teens and Young Adults Reduce the Risk of Sexual Assault in College

Teens meet a lot of new challenges as they head off to college, and one of those challenges is the very real risk of sexual assault or abuse. In fact, it has been estimated that a shocking one in five college-age students experience some form of sexual assault before they graduate. To help increase awareness of the issue of sexual assault on campuses, BestColleges.com has created an in-depth guide for students that includes some important tips for prevention—and we’d like to share a few of these tips with you here.

Reducing the Risk of Sexual Assault and Abuse With Smart Choices About Safety

Reducing the risk of sexual assault or unwanted sexual contact on campuses is a complex issue, and everyone can take part in preventing the danger. Although it isn’t always possible to control the actions of others, students can take steps to avoid incidents of sexual abuse or assault by making smart choices about their safety. Here are four choices students can make to protect themselves:

• Trust your instincts. If you have a “bad feeling” about a person, or if a situation is making you uncomfortable, don’t ignore your feelings. Your “gut instinct” can often tip you off that a social situation—sexual or otherwise—might be dangerous.
• Use the “buddy system.” When you go out, try to go out with friends you can trust to stick with you and make sure you get back safely. If you do go out alone, make sure someone you trust knows where you are, and make it a point to walk in well-lit and populated areas.
• Don’t underestimate the effects of alcohol. Alcohol is involved in numerous reports of sexual assaults and rapes on and off campuses across the nation. If you choose to drink, make sure you drink responsibly, understand your limits, and imbibe with friends you trust.
• Don’t leave your drink unattended. Although some people may be tempted to pass it off as an “urban legend,” the threat of someone slipping something in your drink is very real—so never leave your drink unattended and avoid drinking from open punch bowls and similar communal alcohol sources.
• Don’t remain silent. If you do become the victim of rape, sexual assault, or sexual abuse, you don’t have to keep it secret. You can reach out to your doctor, your parents, local and online support groups, and campus health centers for support and information. Sexual assault is not your fault, and you can speak up to get the help that you need and deserve.

 

Do you have other tips for staying safe on campus or raising awareness of sexual assault against teens and students? Share them with our team and our readers by leaving a comment below, or join in the discussion today by connecting with Lane Brown on Facebook.

Many cases of child sexual abuse go unreported by the children and families affected, but we do know from the many cases that are reported each year that sexual abuse sometimes happens in familiar places where parents trust other adults to care for their children. This might include:

• Hospitals
• Schools
• Daycares
• Churches
• Youth organizations
• Sports activities

 

Although the first reaction from parents may be to blame themselves for failing to spot the potential for abuse, the truth is that the sexual abuse of children is difficult to predict, and it’s not as easy to spot an abuser as many people believe.

Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse May Not Fit Your Idea of an Abuser

Studies have shown that people who sexually abuse children can come from many walks of life, and they may not always fit the most popular ideas of what a sexual predator is like. Oftentimes, abusers seem “normal,” kind, or friendly, and it can be a shock to an entire community when allegations arise. The abusers named in child sex abuse cases often occupy a care-oriented position, such as doctor, priest, or coach, and ultimately, many adults are more inclined to believe other adults.

Your child deserves justice after suffering the traumatic experience of sexual abuse, and an attorney who has experience handling these kinds of difficult and sensitive cases can help you fight for the best for your family. Whether you just have a few initial questions or are ready to take action, our Chicago legal team is ready to treat you with the care and compassion you deserve. To learn more, simply call our office directly, or fill out the confidential contact form on this page.

You can see how badly your child is suffering emotionally, but could there be another risk that you can’t see that could affect his health now and in the future? If your child has been sexually abused, you need to consider the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

It Is a Risk Every Time a Child Is Sexually Abused

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that testing children for STDs after sexual abuse should occur if:

• The parent requests testing.
• Another child in the house tests positive for a STD.
• There is evidence of genital, oral, or anal penetration.
• There is evidence of ejaculation.
• The person who committed the sexual abuse is known to have an STD or is at high risk of having a STD.
• The child has symptoms of a STD.

 

All decisions regarding testing should be made on an individual basis, and all testing should be done in such a way as to minimize pain and trauma for the child being tested.

What If the Test Is Positive?

A positive test may be devastating, but it is better to know about your child’s condition so that it can be treated. Talk to your child’s doctor about the best way to treat the disease, and learn more about your child’s rights. Your child may be able to recover damages for the significant effects of the abuse he endured. To learn more about protecting your child in this difficult situation, please fill out our online contact form to schedule a free and confidential meeting with an experienced child sex abuse lawyer.