Knowing what the signs of sexual abuse are can help you protect your child, especially in environments like schools, summer camps, churches, or other institutions. Parents and guardians may not witness the abuse itself, but they might notice behavioral changes in a child.
Common signs of sexual abuse include sudden withdrawal, anxiety, depression, changes in sleep patterns, unexplained anger, or reluctance to be around certain adults. Teens may also show injuries or discomfort or engage in risky behaviors.
Understanding the potential signs of sexual abuse is important, especially when a trusted adult, teacher, coach, or clergy member may be involved. If you suspect abuse, a Los Angeles child sexual abuse lawyer can help you seek justice and protect your child.
Signs of Sexual Abuse in Minors
Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse in minors can help parents and guardians take action to protect their children. While the signs may not always be obvious, paying attention to behavioral and physical changes in your child can provide important clues.
Behavioral Signs of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse often causes noticeable shifts in your child’s behavior. Los Angeles sexual abuse lawyers suggest that parents and guardians watch out for:
- Withdrawal from friends or family: Your child may suddenly isolate themselves from loved ones or stop participating in activities they once enjoyed.
- Sudden changes in mood: Outbursts of anger, episodes of sadness, or increased fearfulness can indicate emotional distress.
- Avoidance of certain places, activities, or people: If your child refuses to go to school, camp, or other areas or avoids specific individuals, it may be a red flag.
- Increased secrecy about activities or relationships: Your child may start hiding their actions or refuse to talk about certain interactions with adults or peers.
Physical Signs to Look For
In some cases, sexual abuse can result in physical indicators. Parents should be vigilant for:
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or pain: These may be located in sensitive areas or places that are difficult to notice.
- Difficulty walking or sitting: This may indicate pain or discomfort resulting from physical trauma.
- Recurrent urinary tract infections or other medical issues: Frequent medical conditions without a clear cause may warrant further investigation.
Understanding the potential indicators of abuse can lead to early intervention and prevent further harm. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation that can help your child heal.
Sexual Abuse Lawyers Can Help If Your Child Experienced Abuse in Institutional Settings
If your child suffered sexual abuse in an institutional setting, seeking legal help can be an important step toward justice. Institutions that are meant to educate, mentor, or care for children can sometimes enable abuse by failing to implement proper safeguards or ignoring warning signs.
One of the following types of sexual abuse lawyers can help you:
- Los Angeles Big Brothers Big Sisters sexual abuse lawyers: Mentorship programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters pair children with adults for one-on-one activities. While the relationship is meant to provide positive guidance, gaps in oversight can make it easier for abusers to manipulate and harm their mentees.
- Los Angeles Boy Scout sexual abuse lawyers: The Boy Scouts of America provide close-knit environments where children interact with adult volunteers in isolated settings, such as camping trips. This structure can create opportunities for predators to exploit their authority and access to children.
- Los Angeles childhood sexual abuse in California Juvenile Detention facilities lawyers: Juvenile detention facilities are meant to rehabilitate and protect children, but the confined environment can sometimes foster abuse by staff or other detainees. The lack of transparency and oversight in these facilities can make it difficult for survivors to report abuse.
- Los Angeles clergy sexual abuse lawyers: Religious institutions often place clergy members in positions of trust and authority, which can shield abusers from scrutiny. These organizations may prioritize protecting their reputation over addressing allegations of abuse, allowing misconduct to continue.
- Los Angeles coach sexual abuse lawyers: Coaches often spend significant time alone with young athletes during practice, games, or travel. The power dynamic between a coach and a child can make it difficult for survivors to report abuse, especially when the abuser is seen as a mentor or role model.
- Los Angeles college campus sexual abuse lawyers: College campuses can be breeding grounds for abuse due to the prevalence of dormitories, unsupervised social events, and power imbalances between students and faculty or staff. Institutions may downplay or ignore reports of abuse to protect their reputation.
- Los Angeles doctor sexual abuse lawyers: Doctors hold a unique position of trust and authority, often working in private settings where abuse can go unnoticed. Patients, especially minors, may feel too intimidated or confused to speak out against inappropriate behavior.
A lawyer with experience in these specific areas can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and pursue justice for your family.
Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse in California
California has extended the time survivors of child sexual abuse have to file lawsuits. Under Assembly Bill 218, if the abuse occurred before January 1, 2024, survivors can file a lawsuit until their 40th birthday or within five years of discovering the abuse or related injuries, whichever is later.
Assembly Bill 218 created a three-year lookback window, effective from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. During this period, survivors of child sexual abuse could file a claim regardless of when the abuse occurred, even if the statute of limitations had already expired.
For incidents occurring on or after January 1, 2024, Assembly Bill 452 has completely removed the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse can file a claim at any time, regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred.
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We Can Explain More About What the Signs of Sexual Abuse Are and Help You Seek Justice
Signs of sexual abuse in minors can be difficult to recognize, but understanding the behavioral and physical indicators is a critical step in protecting your child. If you suspect your child suffered sexual abuse, the attorneys at Arias Sanguinetti are here to help.
With extensive resources and over $1.5 billion in damages recovered for our clients, our firm can take on even the most challenging cases. From institutions that failed to protect children to high-profile defendants, we are committed to holding abusers and enablers accountable.
Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
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