Do Abused Children Become At-Risk Teens

Child abuse is a crime that happens in our own backyards, and it often goes undetected. According to the U.S. Administration for Children & Families, an estimated 905,000 children were victims of maltreatment in 2006. Considering that many acts of child abuse go unreported, one can assume that this statistic is much higher.

Of the total number of child abuse cases, over eight percent were classified as sexual abuse. Who could commit such a crime? What is the long-term impact upon children who were victims of sexual abuse?

Let’s find out.

Who are the perpetrators?

In almost every case of child abuse, the perpetrator is someone close to the victim. It’s not uncommon for parents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters, or close family friends to commit the offense, making it even harder for the child to confess against them. Perpetrators tend to have a great deal of private, personal access to their victims, making the maltreatment even more possible.

The Psychological Impact

Perpetrators of sexual abuse take away much more than a child’s dignity; they also take away any hope of a happy life and meaningful relationships.

It’s not uncommon for children to develop fear, anxiety, depression, anger, and hostility immediately following the offense. In many cases, children will even display inappropriate sexual behavior and poor self-esteem. As they grow older, victims are much more likely to partake in substance abuse, become sexually promiscuous, and lack drive or determination. They often find it difficult to connect on an intimate level.

Signs to Look For

We all want the best for our kids, but the reality is that it’s a sick world out there. By keeping your eyes and ears open, you can detect if your child is being abused. Consider the following questions:

Does your child have difficulty sitting down or walking?

• Does your child no longer participate in games or other activities?
• Does your child have frequent nightmares or wet the bed?
• Have you noticed a drastic change in your child’s appetite?
• Does your child know more about sex than he or she should at their age?
• Does your child behave sexually?
• Has your child confessed about sexual abuse by another adult?

If you can answer yes to any of these questions, it’s time to have a heart-to-heart with your child before they turn into an at-risk teen.

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