Why do children hide their sexual abuse?

Children often have a tendency not to reveal to anyone about sexual abuse. The explanations in this article will help parents decode this psychology to prevent serious both physical and mental consequences for their children when being abused.

Most children find it difficult to share with anyone, including their parents, about being sexually abused by another child or by an adult until adulthood .

Why do children hide sexual abuse?

Some common reasons why your baby won't speak out include:

I do not understand that the behavior is inappropriate or harmful;

Sometimes you want to protect that child or adult;

Don't want to involve adults with annoying information;

Your baby may feel guilty or afraid of being reprimanded;

I think "if I'm better" then it will stop;

Being intimidated or seduced;

Do you feel ashamed of what's going on or fear that if you say it, you won't be trusted;

Sometimes, children get mistaken about their feelings and are convinced that what is happening is "okay" or "everyone is doing it";

Children who are too young or with disabilities are unable to communicate what they are going through.

For these reasons, maintaining open communication, sharing and listening carefully is an important part of preventing child molestation.

How to detect signs of sexual abuse?

Since children often find it difficult to speak to parents with words, it's important to be aware of the signs of a baby being sexually abused or abused. Pay close attention to the child's behavior for the following symptoms:

Having nightmares , sleep problems or panic attacks that cannot be clearly explained;

Unusual or unexplained personality changes, passive, angry, depressed, stingy, or significant changes in eating habits;

Having childish acts like  wet wetting , thumb sucking;

Being afraid of a particular place and reacting to being alone with someone, for unknown reasons;

Resist bathing, going to the toilet or changing clothes even when necessary;

Play, write, draw or dream scary or pornographic images;

Refusing to disclose a certain “secret” to an adult or an older child;

Stomach pain with no known cause;

Show signs of agitation before a sexual problem;

Use adult language for body parts;

Engage in adult activity with toys, objects or other children;

Having a special relationship with someone older who receives unusual money, gifts or interests;

Intentionally causing harm to yourself such as using drugs , alcohol, cutting, burning the body, running away, having sex indiscriminately;

An increasing number of signs of physical injury appear, such as pain, unexplained bruising around the genitals or mouth.

Child sexual abuse is widespread, making parents extremely worried. By equipping the psychological understanding of children to take timely preventive measures, it is essential to help children have a healthy and safe childhood.