Abuse is rarely one physical attack or one isolated incident. Often, there is a pattern of behavior that emerges over a period of time. Children often have difficulty talking about the abuse. This leads to many children “acting out” as a way of expressing their hurt or anger.

It is important to remember that even if you see signs, they do not necessarily mean that a child has been abused. The signs will vary according to the type of abuse, its intensity, and the age of the child.

Some children who are abused display no signs. For this reason, it is important to listen carefully to any child who tells you about an act of abuse.

Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse

• Exhibiting sexual behaviors that are not appropriate for the child’s age
• A detailed and sophisticated understanding of sexual behavior
• Reversion to behaviors such as bed-wetting, speech loss, and thumb-sucking
• Sleep disturbances or nightmares
• Pain, itching, bruising, or bleeding in the genital area
• Venereal disease
• Frequent urinary tract or yeast infections

Sexually abused older children may also:

• Exhibit delinquent or aggressive behavior
• Show signs of depression
• Display self-injurious behaviors such as substance abuse, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, prostitution, or running away

Who Should Report Suspected Abuse?

Any person or institution that has cause to suspect that a child is being abused is required by law to report it.

Why You Should Report Child Sexual Abuse?

Reporting suspected child abuse is the first important step in stopping the abuse and protecting the child from future harm. By reporting, you are helping the family get the services and help that they need.

Failure to report suspected cases of child sexual abuse lead to continuing abuse. Abused children carry the trauma associated with abuse throughout their lives unless treatment, assistance, and support are provided.

If a report is not accepted for investigation and you still have concerns, you may request a review of the agency’s decision by contacting the agency. If the decision is made by the Department of Social Services not to file a petition and you do not agree, you can request a review by the District Attorney.

How To Make A Report? You can make a report of child sexual abuse by calling, writing, or visiting the Henderson County Department of Social Services at 246 2 nd Avenue East, Hendersonville 28792 or by calling (828) 697-5572. A social worker will listen to you and take down all the information you give. It is helpful to share the following:

• The name, age, and address of the child
• The name and address of the child’s parent, guardian, or caretaker
• The child’s condition, including the nature and extent of the injury
• Any information regarding the presence of weapons in the home, alcohol/drug abuse, or other factors affecting a social worker’s safety
• Where the child is located at the time the report is made

Remember, you do not need to prove that abuse has taken place; you only need reasonable grounds for suspicion. Your report can be anonymous. You do not have to give your name when making a report. You do not need permission from parents or caregivers to make a report. In fact, you do not even need to inform them you are making a report. You do not need permission from your workplace to make a report; however, ther may be workplace guidelines to help you in making a report.

Reporting Child Sexual Abuse

(taken from Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect by Prevent Child Abuse)

What is Child Sexual Abuse? Sexual abuse is any sexual behavior imposed on a juvenile. This involves a range of activities, including fondling the genital area, masturbation, oral sex, or vaginal or anal penetration by a finger, penis, or other object. It also includes exhibitionism, child pornography, and use of suggestive behaviors or comments.

The Law North Carolina statutes define an abused child as: any juvenile less than 18 years of age whose parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker inflicts or allows serious physical injury by other than accidental means, or creates or allows to be created serious risk of injury, cruel or grossly inappropriate behavior modifications, or sexual abuse. (www.ncga.state.nc.us and access Chapter 7B of the Juvenile Code for more information)

What Happens After a Report Has Been Made?

After you have discussed your concerns with a social worker at the Department of Social Services, a determination will be made as to whether or not the agency will investigate. If intervention is warranted, the Department of Social Services is required to initiate an investigation within 24 hours for child sexual abuse. The investigation may include a visit to the child’s home and school along with interviews of those who are in regular contact with the child. If the suspected abuse is not from someone in the home, the family may be asked to bring the child to The Healing Place so the child can be interviewed in a child-friendly setting. The safety of the child is the top priority at all times. A full assessment will be made to determine future actions including the child and the family.

Helping a Child You Suspect Has Been Sexually Abused

When a child tells you that he/she has been sexually abused, the child may feel scared, guilty, ashamed, angry, and powerless. You may feel a sense of outrage, disgust, sadness, anger, and disbelief. However, it is important that you remain calm and in control of your feelings in order to reassure the child that something will be done to keep him/her safe.

You can show your care and concern by:

• Listening carefully to what the child is saying
• Telling the child you believe him/her
• Telling the child the abuse was not his/her fault
• Letting the child know you will make a report to help stop the abuse

You will not be helping the child if you:

• Make promised you cannot keep, such as promising that you will not tell anyone
• Push the child into giving details of the abuse – your role is to listen to what the child wants to tell you
• Ask direct questions to the child – this could be harmful to the investigation
• Discuss what the child has told you with others who are not directly involved with helping the child