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Assault Response & Care Centre

Most children don’t tell parents about being sexually assaulted or abused. Therefore it is important as a parent to recognize and be aware of signs that may suggest some form of sexual assault or abuse has occurred. Watch for signs of physical, behavioural, and social changes in your child or a child you suspect has been a victim of sexual assault or abuse.

Warning Signs

Physical signs

Unexplained injuries (bruises, scratches)

Trouble sleeping (nightmares, night terrors, insomnia, bedwetting)

Pain while sitting or walking

Change in eating habits (weight loss or gain)

Bowel and/or bladder problems

Behavioural signs

Changes in mood (withdrawn, depressed, aggressive)

Inappropriate sexual behaviour/knowledge for age

Lack of interest in everyday activities

Refusal to undress in front of others

Over protective and concerned for siblings

Engaging in self-harming behaviour (drugs, alcohol, self mutilation, prostitution)

Social signs

Avoidance of adults in child’s life

Fear of being left alone

Fear of intimacy or closeness

Withdrawn from friends and/or family

What to do if a child says they’ve been sexually abused

Control your emotions

Stay calm

Offer comfort and support

Reassure the child that it is not their fault

Seek medical attention

Seek counselling (individual, family, or group)

Tell them they are brave and you are proud of them for telling you

Answer any questions honestly and in words the child will understand

Show that you understand and take what the child is saying seriously

Listen carefully

Don’t blame or be judgmental

Prevention Tips

Tell children they have the right to say NO to behaviour which makes them uncomfortable

Teach children about appropriate and inappropriate secrets to keep

Talk about feeling on a regular basis

Teach children to trust instincts

Teach children that they have the right to say NO to an older person if that person is asking them to do something that hurts them or makes them feel uncomfortable

When warning children to avoid strangers give specific examples and assist them to plan ways of responding in such situations

Tell children to be selective about the kind of information they give out over the phone and the internet (don’t indicate that they are home alone, don’t give name or address or any personal information)

Support public education and child abuse programs in the community

Teach children the difference between what is appropriate touching and what is inappropriate (sexually abusive) touching

Family and Children Services of Leeds and Grenville
www.casbrock.com

Family Violence Prevention
www.endabuse.org
www.toolsforchange.ca/section_parents

Violence Against Women and Children
www.metrac.org
www.cmha.ca

Canadian Children’s Rights Council www.canadiancrc.com

Understanding Child Sexual Abuse www.kidsintheknow.ca

How to help children who witness abuse www.womanabuseprevention.com/html/how_to_help_a_child.html

Child Abuse Prevention
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence/html/nfntsressprevio_e.html
www.safekidsbc.ca

Resources Available

Counselling - call office for availability
Medical - BGH Emergency Department - ARCC nurse on-call
Office - books, pamphlets, videos on a number of topics

Assault Response & Care Centre 2005