Child Sexual Abuse

With the astoundingly high percentage of child sexual abuse in South Africa, we thought it necessary to share vitally important information with you.

Child sexual abuse can include sexual contact with a child, but it may also include other actions, like exposing oneself, sharing obscene images, or taking inappropriate photos or videos of a child. These crimes can have a serious impact on the life and development of a child, and often continue to impact them later in life. Learning the warning signs of child sexual abuse is often the first step to protecting a child who is in danger.

~ Read the signs, listen to your child!

It’s not always easy to spot sexual abuse because perpetrators often take steps to hide their actions. Some signs are easier to spot than others. For instance, some warning signs might be noticed by a caretaker or parent, and are often red flags that the child needs medical attention. Listen to your instincts. If you notice something that isn’t right or someone in a child’s life is making you uncomfortable—even if you can’t put your finger on why—it’s important to trust your gut, continue to watch for signs of abuse, and talk to the child who may be experiencing abuse in age-appropriate ways.

~ Warning signs

Physical signs

• Sexually transmitted infections
• Signs of trauma to the genital area, such as unexplained bleeding, bruising, or blood on the sheets, underwear, or other clothing.

Behavioural signs

• Excessive talk about or knowledge of sexual topics
• Keeping secrets, not talking as much as usual
• Not wanting to be left alone with certain people or being afraid to be away from primary caregivers, especially if this is a new
  behaviour
• Regressive behaviours or resuming behaviours they had grown out of, such as thumb sucking or bed-wetting
• Overly compliant behaviour
• Sexual behaviour that is inappropriate for the child’s age
• Spending an unusual amount of time alone
• Trying to avoid removing clothing to change or bathe