CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Indicators are not proof – and you may see some or none.
Trust your instincts – and report to your Senior Supervisor.
Let’s now look at some of the indicators of sexual abuse. Remember, indicators are the things you might see or notice or information you might find out that might lead you to suspect that a child has been or is likely to be abused.
As your work involves children under 12 we will focus on them.
So let’s run through some indicators – some clues you might get that suggest to you a child has been or is currently being sexually abused.
Remember when we are talking about indicators that they are not proof. They are just one tool you use in Child Protection to keep kids safe. Sometimes indicators can mean a child is being abused, other times there are other explanations. Sometimes a child can be abused and not show any of the classic indicators. It's not an exact science, but certainly a very helpful tool in Child Protection.
Remember also that with some of these indicators there is a fine line between normal healthy behaviour and indication of sexual abuse – so you should learn to rely on your instincts. If it gives you a funny feeling or makes you cringe, if you think that there’s something that’s just not right – then you’re probably right. Trust your instincts, document and report to your senior supervisor.