What are the Signs of Sexual Abuse in School?
Child sexual abuse is grossly underreported in Massachusetts as well as across the entire United States. Abuse can happen to boys and girls and can range in severity from rape to groping or even slapping. When sexual abuse takes place in school facilities, it usually occurs on the playgrounds, in the bathrooms, in classrooms, or on buses.
Many signs of sexual abuse can be confused with bullying and other negative behaviors. It is imperative that parents are able to recognize signs of abuse in order to address the problem as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Some of the most common warning signs of sexual abuse in school can include:
- – Depression and anxiety
- – Fear and withdrawal
- – Drug or alcohol abuse
- – Disciplinary issues
- – Uncharacteristic decline in the performance of school work
- – Reluctance to go to school
- – Being aggressive or having self-destructive behaviors
- – Changes in eating habits
- – Suicidal thoughts
- – Creating sexually explicit artwork
If you notice your child exhibiting these or other signs of sexual abuse, it is crucial that you take with them what is going on in their life. Seeking the assistance of a counselor may be helpful and allow your child to open up. It is important that you refrain from getting angry or having a strong emotional reaction to what your child is telling you. You must let them know that they can trust you and that you will help them.
What Can You do if Your Child was Abused at School?
If your child was subjected to sexual abuse at school, it is important that you act quickly. First, you will want to seek medical attention for your child. In some instances, children suffer physical consequences, like STDs, cuts, and other injuries, that require medical attention. A thorough evaluation will help to determine if your child suffered these or other physical consequences.
Seeking mental health assistance right away is critical. Your child has experienced something truly traumatic and will need help to move forward. A therapist can talk to your child and help them cope and learn techniques that can help them process their trauma.
Contacting law enforcement is critical. Your child will need to explain to law enforcement what took place, who is the perpetrator, and various other details. This can be incredibly challenging for some children to do. It is important that you find out whether your child wants you there with them while speaking with the officer as it can be very difficult for some victims to open up about their abuse.
Finally, seek the assistance of a Massachusetts sexual abuse lawyer right away. There may be legal options available to help your child move forward.
Contact the Law Office of Carmen L Durso Today
At the Law Office of Carmen L. Durso, we are committed to helping victims of sexual abuse come forward and seek justice. Contact our Massachusetts law firm today by calling 617-728-9123. Attorney Durso is committed to creating a comfortable environment so you can come forward and tell your story. Contact our law firm today to get the justice you deserve.
