How Do I Tell When A Young Child Is Being Sexuallay Abused

Being that your child is at the young age of 1 the signs are restricted due to her restricted communication and activities. For example in a child who is hold enough to interact with other children may behave sexually to their playmates. If the child is old enough to feed themselves they may have a loss for appetite. If the child was old enough to talk to you they may admit to having sudden nightmares, being afraid of being alone, etc. For this reason the few if any signs your child gives you must be taken seriously.

In a theory about Psychological Development by Erik Erikson their is a stage in a human’s life called “Trust versus Mistrust”. This takes place from birth to the age of 18 months. It states that an infant is helpless therefore totally dependent on others for his needs. During this stage, the infant learns whether the world in which he lives can be trusted. When he is hungry and he cries, will he be fed? When he is unwell or afraid, will he be comforted?

If an infant’s physical and emotional needs are met in a consistent and caring way, he learns that his mother or caregiver can be counted on and he develops an attitude of trust in people. If his needs are not met, an infant may become fearful and learns not to trust the people around him.

There are a series of events that can lead to why a child no longer feels safe or no longer trusts the people around him. However, if you child no longer trusts people in that one region on her body then it’s a strong suggestion that something occured or is occuring that she is not comfortable with. The fact that she no longer trusts you might suggest that this was someone she felt completely safe with as she is with you that mistreated her in someway.

This activity can be sexual abuse or it can merely be that someone was handling her rough causing her discomfort. For whatever the reason I would definitely be more selective as to who she has close contact with. This may be more difficult is she goes to daycare or if she is watched by a nanny, family friend, etc. If you are thoroughly concerned I would suggest talking with a specialist about her behavior. Even if you talk with her pediatrician about your suspicians and her behavior she may confirm your speculation with similar infant behavior.

The bottom line is that when a child is being mistreated and can no longer trust openly at the age of 1 then further continuous of her being mistreated can damage the way she reacts to situations in her future. I hope I’ve been some help. Good luck.