Signs of child abuse

Child Safety Expert Pattie Fitzgerald shares advice on the early warning signs that can often indicate that a child has been sexually abused or molested
Signs A Child Has Been Sexually Abused or Molested
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Signs of child abuse

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There are several emotional and physical signs that may indicate that a child may have suffered some kind of sexual abuse. We are looking for things like: Suddenly your child has a dislike for a certain person in their inner circle. If they don't want to be around their uncle or their teacher or their sports coach, that may indicate something. We're looking for emotional signs like sudden mood swings, a drop in social activity. If your child used to be very friendly and outgoing and sudden, they seem very withdrawn. All of a sudden, they don't want to go to the sports camp or the after school activity that they used to like so much. If your child is exhibiting signs of sexual behavior which is inappropriate for their age. If they come home with words for body parts that you didn't teach them. Another sign that a child may have been molested or suffered some kind of sexual abuse, if they suddenly don't want to be touched by anyone. Pay attention to that sign. Some physical signs that a child may have been molested is pain or itching in their genital area; red marks or swollen genital areas. If your child comes home, after spending one-on-one time with another adult, and they have difficulty walking or sitting or telling you that their body doesn't feel right; that could be a physical sign that your child has suffered some kind of abuse.

Child Safety Expert Pattie Fitzgerald shares advice on the early warning signs that can often indicate that a child has been sexually abused or molested

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Pattie Fitzgerald

Child Safety Expert

Pattie Fitzgerald is the founder of Safely Ever After, Inc., and is recognized as a leading expert in the field of childhood sexual abuse prevention education, child abduction prevention, and Internet Safety education.  She is certified as a Child Safety Educator and Child Visitation Monitor, and has worked tirelessly as children’s advocate for over ten years.  As a former preschool teacher, Pattie blends her expertise as an educator and, more importantly as a mom, to teach parents and kids everywhere the most effective, up-to-date safety strategies without using fear tactics.   

Admired for her positive approach and warm, compassionate style, Pattie is also the author of the newly released children’s book, No Trespassing – This Is MY Body which parents and children are embracing across the country.  Pattie’s programs and curriculum have been implemented in public and private schools throughout the United States and have been also been utilized by The Santa Monica Police School Resource Department as well as the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department through their MERIT Program.   

Prior to the inception of Safely Ever After, Inc., Pattie worked as the Community Outreach Educator for the national child advocacy agency, Parents For Megan’s Law.  Her published work has appeared in national newspapers, parenting magazines, and trade journals throughout the country, and she has been featured on Good Morning America, CNN Headline News, MSNBC, KCBS, KABC and KNBC news as well as countless national radio programs.

More Parenting Videos from Pattie Fitzgerald >
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Transcription: 
There are several emotional and physical signs that may indicate that a child may have suffered some kind of sexual abuse. We are looking for things like: Suddenly your child has a dislike for a certain person in their inner circle. If they don't want to be around their uncle or their teacher or their sports coach, that may indicate something. We're looking for emotional signs like sudden mood swings, a drop in social activity. If your child used to be very friendly and outgoing and sudden, they seem very withdrawn. All of a sudden, they don't want to go to the sports camp or the after school activity that they used to like so much. If your child is exhibiting signs of sexual behavior which is inappropriate for their age. If they come home with words for body parts that you didn't teach them. Another sign that a child may have been molested or suffered some kind of sexual abuse, if they suddenly don't want to be touched by anyone. Pay attention to that sign. Some physical signs that a child may have been molested is pain or itching in their genital area; red marks or swollen genital areas. If your child comes home, after spending one-on-one time with another adult, and they have difficulty walking or sitting or telling you that their body doesn't feel right; that could be a physical sign that your child has suffered some kind of abuse.