Is it Easy to Detect the Signs?

September 5, 2024
1:16 pm

According to Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN ), child sexual abuse isn’t always easy to identify, survivors may not exhibit obvious warning signs and the perpetrator could be someone you’ve known a long time or trust, which may make it even harder to notice. RAINN provides some common behavioral signs to help detect if abuse may have occurred.¹

Behavioral signs include: Changes in hygiene, such as refusing to bathe or bathing excessively; Develops phobias; Exhibits signs of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder; Expresses suicidal thoughts, especially in adolescents; Has trouble in school, such as absences or drops in grades; Inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors; Nightmares or bed-wetting; Overly protective and concerned for siblings, or assumes a caretaker role; Returns to regressive behaviors, such as thumb sucking; Runs away from home or school; Self-harms (inflict physical harm on themselves); and Shrinks away or seems threatened by physical contact.¹

Education can be just as important as awareness. If we are better informed about the common physical and behavioral signs of child molestation and abuse, we can better help others. According to the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS), mandated reporters are professionals who may work with children in the course of their professional duties and are required to immediately report to the Department when they have reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacities may be an abused child or neglected child.² You may not be a mandated reporter, but everyone has an opportunity to report suspected child abuse or neglect using the Online Reporting System, or by calling 1-800-25-ABUSE in an emergency.³

According to DCFS, every delay in reporting suspected abuse or neglect increases the likelihood that abuse will continue, become more serious, and even impact additional children. To prevent unnecessary investigations, hotline calls are screened by trained social workers to determine whether they warrant investigation for abuse or neglect. Of the more than one million hotline calls received over the past four years, only about one in four resulted in a formal report and an investigation. When formal investigations do occur, only 4% result in children being removed from their homes.⁴

Initially, I was concerned about reporting potential abuse or neglect because I wouldn’t want to falsely accuse anyone, but after reviewing the procedures DCFS has put in place to avoid those scenarios, I would encourage everyone who has any suspicion to make that phone call or online report. You may be one of several adults a child needs to share their story with, or report on behalf of, to initiate an investigation. Creating awareness about child molestation and abuse will help others crush their shame and silence. If you are interested in becoming a member and gaining access to our Resource Center ($10/month or $99/annually), visit https://advocatefortheinnocent.org/memberships/ to learn more.