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Fear for their family or other loved ones, becoming clingy, not wanting to be alone, lacking confidence in new situations.Over-dressing and/or demanding extreme privacy when changing or using the bathroom A child may want to wear extra underwear or dress in baggy clothes to cover their body to minimize attention and increase protection from an abuser.Child is overly obedient (possibly not just with their abuser), child may be under the control of their abuser – not allowed to socialize with others.Fear of that person or place where the abuser occurred, sometimes a child may fear a certain gender or people with similar attributes/behaviors.However, if the child does understand that what is happening is wrong and/or physically feels pain from the abuse, or is threatened by the abuser if they tell – there are some signs that they may exhibit. Naivete, level of trust with the offender, combined with an offender’s specific intention of not causing physical pain (at least not at first) to the child, often create feelings of confusion, not fear.
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Depending on the age of the child, their relationship to the offender, and the extent of the abuse – the child may or may not be fearful of their abuser. Fearįear may be one of the more obvious sign of abuse, but it is not necessarily directed with the intensity that many expect. If you are unsure if you need further help, there are resources available.Ĭhildren are better protected when they are surrounded by people that support body autonomy and understand how abuse is perpetrated. It is important to listen, respond with a calm voice, and make a decision on how to proceed with the information given. Now, depending on the age your child – they may ‘test’ what it means when someone breaks a body safety rule. The reality is, children are better protected when they are surrounded by people that support body autonomy and understand how abuse is perpetrated. We also recommend choosing other trusted adults (or responsible teen, like an older sibling or cousin) to be part of their ‘body safety circle.’ These people should be educated in your child’s body safety rules and prepared for a possible disclosure of abuse.
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