Recognizing Signs of Child Sexual Abuse

Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) may not only cause a child serious physical harm, but it can cause emotional damage that can affect a child for the rest of their adult life. The negative effects of CSA may include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, long-term psychological trauma, anxiety and neurosis. This is in addition to the physical harm that usually results from sexual abuse.

To recognize the signs of CSA you must pay attention to a child's behavior. Often, abused children will exhibit symptoms that are related to sexual abuse.

These symptoms include unusual sexual behaviors, such as:

• Excessive masturbation
• Explicit sexual play with toys or with their friends
• Asking sex-related questions that are unsuitable for a child
• Being overly affectionate or clingy
• Talking or behaving in ways that invite sexual exploitation

Other signs of CSA may include:

• Physical trauma to a child's genital area
• Self-mutilation, such as cutting their own skin
• Regressive behavior, such as bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, or clinging to childhood toys
• An unusual fear of certain places or locations

If there is any indication that a child has been sexually abused you should contact the Massachusetts police. Any attempt to interrogate a child on your own may hinder a criminal investigation.

For more information about identifying child sexual abuse, visit our article library. 

Next, it would be in your best interest to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney that specializes in child abuse in Massachusetts. It is important that the lawyer has handled these types of cases and that they understand child abuse.

The attorneys at Phillips & Garcia will fight for your rights in your child abuse lawsuit. We are committed to protecting your best interests and helping you collect the damages you need and deserve to move on with your life. If you or someone you know has been a victim of child abuse, contact Phillips & Garcia today to schedule your FREE legal consultation - (877) 892-5620.