This article accompanies a SUN investigation showing how suspects in child rape and molestation cases rarely serve time in prison. Click here to read the main story.
Symptoms of Child Sexual Abuse
The following symptoms are possible signs that a child is being sexually abused, according to the state Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs. Any single sign does not necessarily mean a child is being abused, but the presence of several signs could indicate a problem. Children may also display some of these signs after other traumatic events, such as divorce and the death of loved ones.
• Nightmares, sleep problems or extreme fears without an obvious explanation;
• Sudden or unexplained personality changes;
• An older child behaving like a younger child (such as thumb-sucking and bed-wetting);
• Fear of certain places, or of being along with an adult;
• Resistance to routine bathing, using the toilet or removing clothes;
• Writing, drawing, playing or dreaming or talking about frightening or sexual images;
• Refusing to talk about a secret with an adult or older child;
• Stomach aches or illness, often with no identifiable reason’
• Developing special relationships with older friends that may include unexplained money, gifts or privileges;
• Engaging in adult-like sexual activities with toys, objects or other children;
• Using new adult words like body parts;
• Leaving clues that seem likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues;
• Intentional harmful behavior, such as cutting, running away, promiscuity, burning or drug and alcohol use; and/or
• Physical symptoms such as soreness, pain or bruises around the mouth or genitals, sexually-transmitted disease and pregnancy.
Reporting Child Sexual Abuse
State law requires all adults to report suspected child abuse to police or the state Children, Youth and Families Department.
When reporting abuse, be prepared to provide as much information as possible about the behavior of the child or family. Authorities need solid information to decide how to respond to calls.
To report abuse, call any of the following:
• Santa Fe Rape Crisis & Trauma Treatment Center: (800) 721-RAPE (7273) or (505) 986-9111
• Children, Youth and Families Department: (800) 797-3260
• Española Police/State Police/Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Department: 911