What are the indicators of a child being sexually assaulted?

Indicators of sexual abuse in children
Explanation: There are multiple labels that describe individuals themselves after being sexually assaulted. In this article we will limit ourselves to describing a "victim" with full respect for the right of everyone to use the expression he deems appropriate.

Overview: Many children are exposed to sexual exploitation at an early age, so it is necessary to know the various indicators, physical, psychological, emotional and behavioral, that indicate the possibility of sexual assault.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual assault or exploitation is the practice of sexual conduct by the aggressor despite the nose of the victim, through threat or use of force, without any objection. Regardless of sex, age or ethnicity, anyone can fall victim to this heinous behavior, and can play the role of the aggressor.
Child sexual abuse:

Child sexual abuse is the practice of sexual behavior on a minor, whether by an adult or a teenager who is older than the victim. Legally, minors are not entitled to enter into sexual relations with adults or older adolescents, even by mutual consent. In addition to being in violation of the law, sexual assault has long-term harm to the victim.
Under the banner of sexual assault, each of the following acts is committed:

Physical contact, caressing and sex in all ways;
Sex trade;
Pornography;
Most gender-related acts.
With at least 93 per cent of cases of child sexual abuse, the victim is aware of the perpetrator. The first motive for assault is the weakness of the victim regardless of the sexual orientation of the aggressor. The perpetrator (if he is male) does not find any harm in attacking a male child, even if he is different.
Indicators of sexual abuse of children:

Since the aggressor is a close relative of the victim in most cases, observing the consequences of the attack becomes more difficult. The aggressor often succeeds in convincing his victim that what he has done is an ordinary act or is forced to remain silent under threat.

Physical and behavioral indicators indicate that a child may be sexually assaulted. In some cases, however, no signs of infection appear, and some of these may appear in children who have not been abused. To make matters worse, victims, because of their age, do not know whether they are being assaulted at all and often need to be silent about it. Any changes in the child's behavior, temperament, movements, appearance, etc. should be observed. It should be noted that these characteristics are closer to being indications of being evidence of an attack.

Behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse:

Among the most visible indicators of child victims of sexual assault:

The child may discharge his negative feelings towards the aggressor by taunting others;
The child may find it difficult to communicate with peers or become obsessed with imaginary worlds;
The child may have a fear or fear of certain rooms or places in the home;
A child may resort to escape from abuse as a way to seek help;
The child may find it difficult to do sports as the sitting becomes painful during study times;
The child may find difficulty sleeping like nightmares or bedwetting;
The child may express his displeasure and dissatisfaction with the aggressor;
A child may use a sexual character that is inappropriate for his or her age.
It is necessary to know these indicators in order to help the child victim.

Behavioral indicators in older children:

Behavioral indicators in older children are no different from those of younger ones, with other indicators added.

When a teenager is abused or sexually abused:

May suffer from disorders of appetite, anxiety or depression;
May be addicted to drugs or alcohol to cope with abuse;
May adopt an unethical trend or move towards prostitution;
Its appearance may be purposeful to make its appearance as less attractive as possible;
May attempt suicide;
May receive anonymous money from the aggressor to keep his silence.
Sexual abuse also has other effects on adolescent behavior, making any changes in their behavior necessary.
Physical indicators of child sexual abuse:

These indicators are also numerous, including that the child:

May become sexually transmitted;
Becomes pregnant if he is female;
Carrying a liquid on his clothes;
Suffers from pain or itching at the level of his genitals;
Find it difficult to sit and walk;
Carries bloodstained or torn clothing;
Inserts foreign objects into the buttocks or vagina;
Suffers from cuts or bruises near his genitals;
These examples are not exhaustive or restrictive, and the consequences of sexual assault on children's bodies are multiple.

Ways to deal with suspected child sexual abuse:

If you suspect that a child has been sexually assaulted, you should intervene urgently to help him as much as possible. First, you need to talk to the victim directly, taking into account the current situation in your tone. Try to calm down its splendor and protect it with a climate of safety, and avoid the use of words that may confuse the child victim.
In addition, the child must be given the opportunity to express himself without any pressure: no matter what happens, do not receive any judgment on the victim and bear no responsibility for what happened. You should also remind him that you want to help him and that he is safe from problems. As a human being, you must inform the authorities of this crime against childhood.

If you can not communicate with the child, asking for outside help is extremely important even in case of doubt. The police or child protection authorities will deal with the situation in a more appropriate way.

Depending on your relationship with the victim, it may be mandatory to inform the authorities, especially if your location makes you a guardian and responsible for your safety. You need to feel secure and reassure the child that you will receive the necessary help.

Concluding remarks:

Sexual abuse remains serious and has long-term effects on the victim's child. Unable to defend itself, the intervention of an adult is necessary for its safety, and the ability to recognize the above indicators remains crucial and the first step to effective assistance.