I still remember how I felt when a former colleague told me her five year old nephew had been sexually abused by his cousin. I stared at her in disbelief for more than a minute. I read about the abuse of toddlers but I never thought it could happen to someone I know. I know Ben (not his real name) the five years old. I immediately began thinking about my nephews and what could be happening to them.
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These signs in your toddler could point to sexual abuse
It’s a dangerous world out there and we need to protect our toddlers who mostly do not disclose the abuse they are going through.
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It’s a dangerous world out there and we need to protect our toddlers who mostly do not disclose the abuse they are going through. These signs in your toddler could mean he is being sexually abused.
Change in personality
A toddler who is being abused may suddenly exhibit personality characteristics which are pretty unusual. He or she may suddenly become too quiet, and anxious. In Ben’s case he had suddenly become extremely quiet and no longer his bubbly, always asking questions personality. This should be enough to suspect there could be something going on with your child.
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Sexual behaviour
Somehow your child may begin to exhibit sexual behaviours. She/he may begin to make sexual moves with toys etc. They may also try to start sexual acts with their friends of siblings. Do not laugh it off and say my baby is so silly. Pay attention parents! This is a clear sign something is wrong.
Fear
An abused toddler like an adult may seem fearful. If your child is afraid of certain people and does everything to a avoid them including refusing to be undressed in their presence you need to find out more. Whoever your child is afraid of may be the abuser.
Physical signs
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Anytime I have to bath any of my nephews I do the physical text check. I check whole body for any kind of abrasion and I in a friendly way ask how they got it. I check for any pain in the anal area and genital just to know what is going on with them.
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