Information on Megan's Law
Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse
Do you notice some of the following behaviors in children you know ?
- Fear of certain people or places (e.g., a child may not want to be left alone with a baby-sitter, a friend, a relative, or some other child or adult; or a child who is usually talkative and cheery may become quiet and distant when around a certain person).
- Nightmares, trouble sleeping, or other extreme fears without an obvious explanation.
- Play, writing, drawings or dreams may include sexual or frightening images.
- Spacing out at odd times, seems distracted or distant, “checked out.”
- Loss of appetite, or trouble eating or swallowing or sudden changes in eating habits.
- Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, anger, insecurity or withdrawal.
- Leaves “clues” that seem likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues.
- Stomach illness all of the time with no identifiable reason.
- An older child behaving like a younger child, such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking.
- Adult-like sexual activities with toys or other children, such as simulating sex with dolls or asking other children/siblings to behave sexually.
- New words for private body parts.
- Shows resistance to bathing, toileting, or removing clothes even at appropriate situations.
- Refusing to talk about a "secret" he/she has with an adult or older child.
- Talking about a new older friend.
- Suddenly having money, toys or other gifts for no apparent reason.
- Cutting, burning or otherwise intentionally harming herself or himself, i.e. drug use, alcohol abuse, sexual promiscuity, running away from home.
- Has negative self image, i.e. thinks of self or body as repulsive, dirty or bad.
Behaviors to Watch for When Adults Are With Children
Have you ever seen someone playing with a child and felt uncomfortable with it? Maybe you thought, "I'm just over-reacting," or, "He/She doesn't really mean that." If you are uncomfortable, but don't see these signs, be sure to trust your instincts and ask questions. Below is a list of behaviors that might be cause for concern.
Do you know an adult or older child who:
- Makes others uncomfortable by ignoring social, emotional or physical boundaries or limits?
- Refuses to let a child set any of his or her own limits?
- Uses teasing or belittling language to keep a child from setting a limit?
- Insists on hugging, touching, kissing, tickling, wrestling with or holding a child even when the child does not want this physical contact or attention?
- Turns to a child for emotional or physical comfort by sharing personal or private information or activities, normally shared with adults?
- Frequently points out sexual images or tells dirty or suggestive jokes with children present?
- Exposes a child to adult sexual interactions without apparent concern?
- Has secret interactions with teens or children (e.g. games, sharing drugs, alcohol, or sexual material) or spends excessive time to emailing, text messaging or calling children or youth
- Is overly interested in the sexuality of a particular child or teen (e.g., talks repeatedly about the child's developing body or interferes with normal teen dating)?
- Insists on or manages to spend uninterrupted time alone with a child?
- Seems “too good to be true, i.e. frequently baby sits different children for free; takes children on special outings alone; buys children gifts or gives them money for no apparent reason?
- Frequently walks in on children/teens in the bathroom?
- Allows children or teens to consistently get away with inappropriate behaviors?
Source Stop it Now: www.stopitnow.com
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