If You Suspect Your Child has What is Sexual Abuse? Been Abused Sexual abuse can be defined as forced sexual activity with a child by another person. This is inappropriate behavior that is harmful to the child both physically and emotionally. Believe Your Child: It is very important for parents to listen to their children. If Sexual abuse can be physical, such as fondling the child’s geni- your child confides in you that he or she has been abused, tals or non-physical, such as using the child in the production believe that your child is telling the truth and take immedi- Victim Services of pornography. ate action.

Unit The abuser may use intimidation, deceit, or bribes in order Be Supportive: PO Box 1466 to get the child to comply and may make the child promise Tell your child that he or she was right to talk about what Mesa, AZ 85211-1466 not to tell. has happened. Tell your child that you love him/her and that (480) 644-4075 he/she is not responsible for what happened. Allow your A child may be sexually abused by: child to talk and to ask questions and be as honest as you A parent or grandparent can. Remember that your child needs to know that you A brother or sister believe and support him/her. A relative or family friend A neighbor Do Not Be Judgmental: A teacher or day care provider Do not ask probing or leading questions or criticize your A babysitter child’s feelings or actions. Do not show shock, disapproval, A stranger or disappointment.

Physical signs:

Lacerations, irritations, swelling, bleeding, or pain in the genital or Do Not Project Your Feelings Of Anger Or Sadness On- anal area Vaginal or penile discharge to The Child Pregnancy Venereal disease Children and Sexual Assault Enuresis (wetting) Use Your Child’s Vocabulary To Discuss Body Parts Encopresis (soiling) Frequent unexplained sore throats, yeast, or urinary infections Report The Incident Immediately Emotional symptoms: Department of Child Safety -1-888-767-2445 Depression Anger Mesa Police Department—480-644-2211 Low self-esteem Anxiety

 The Mesa Police Department Victim Services Unit can Guilt / self-blame Fear Or your local law enforcement office. assist with information regarding Victims’ Rights, Victim Anger Sadness Compensation, case status, navigation of the criminal Anxiety Negative body image justice system and referrals to other appropriate help- ing professionals or organizations according to your NOTE: specific needs. These signs and symptoms do not necessarily mean that your child has been sexually abused. They are only intended to be used as guidelines. The most reliable indicator of child sexual abuse is the child’s verbal 05092017 disclosure. This brochure provides information for you and your Another way to respect your child is by allowing them to de- family on dealing with sexual abuse. cide whether they want to talk. For some, art or playing may be the most comfortable way of expression. Resources Reactions to a traumatic event may appear immediately following an event, or they may appear days or weeks later. Children who Sometimes family secrets surface and grudges develop, result- ing in opposing systems of allies. Respect and privacy of the have experienced a traumatic event commonly express their child need to be a priority, therefore you may need to be se- feelings through behavioral changes. This expression occurs be- 211 - Community Information and Referral lective about who you share the information with. Take into cause children often do not possess social, developmental, or 211 consideration how the person you are sharing the information psychological maturity to fully comprehend what has happened to www.211arizona.org with will react and try to prepare for unexpected responses. them.

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic

Violence Common Reactions (602) 279-2900 Rules and Routines www.acesdv.org

 Fear — fear of being separated, fear of being in closed-in areas, It is common for parents to relax rules and disrupt routines fear of new situations, excessive clinging. ChildHelp USA when a child has experienced a difficult event. The reality is that  Sleep disturbance — nightmares, refusal to sleep alone, inter- 602-271-4500 rules and routines help them maintain their sense of safety, rupted sleep, excessive sleep security, and assist with their recovery.  Physical complaints — stomach aches, headaches, dizziness, Department of Child Safety

and other bodily symptoms with no physical cause 1-888-767-2445 Parents forget or don’t see a child as resilient. Recovery for a  Change in eating habits — loss of appetite, reluctance to child is usually done with little difficulty when provided with eat, eating binges, hoarding of food La Frontera EMPACT Crisis Hotline support and safety. Parents, on-the-other hand, are usually  Regressive behavior — loss of toilet training, thumb sucking, (480) 784-1500 more upset during the recovery process. bed wetting, fear of darkness

 School performance — difficulty concentrating, refusal to

attend, decline in performance, difficulty with peer relationships, Mesa Family Advocacy Center

disruptive behavior. 480-644-4075

 Change in demeanor — withdrawal, emotional numbing, Benefits of Counseling confusion, anger outbursts, loss of trust in others, expressions Mesa Police Department

of guilt, crying, whimpering 480-644-2211

Some of the benefits of seeking counseling are: Just as every child is unique, so is every child’s reaction to a trau- RAINN Help Line  Reviewing the incident and processing the event can help matic event. Your child may display one, a few, or all of these 800-656-4673 victims clarify what actually occurred. reactions. That being said, it is important to remember that most  Legal and judicial decisions can be discussed and utilized as children experience reactions for brief periods. Office for Victims of Crime part of the promotion of healing and resolution. U.S. Department of Justice We all have a need for the sense of security and reassuring your  The disruption due to trauma can make daily functioning 810 Seventh Street NW., Eighth Floor child that they are safe and that those they love are safe is one of difficult. Counseling can help develop coping skills and strate- Washington, DC 20531 the healthiest responses you can provide. gies, allowing for the continuance of school, work or rela- (202) 307-5983 tionships. www.ovc.gov Providing a balance of honest information about the incident and  Establishment of a support network helps to decrease the education about prevention of future incidents is a wonderful way negative physical, psychological and emotional effects that Sexual Violence Prevention and Education to help your child gain awareness, a sense of control, and reduce often result from the traumatic experience. Program In Arizona the impact of the traumatic event. Survivors can utilize the experience as an opportunity to build www. azrapeprevention.org/need_help Remember that children desire to please and succeed. Monitoring and practice assertiveness, confidence, and protective instinct your discussions about the incident, the child, and your feelings skills. Stop It Now! and fears is important. Doing so provides respect for your child’s 1-888-773-8368 privacy and feelings and may minimize their sense of shame, guilt www.stopitnow.org or responsibility about what occurred.