Champaign County Children's Advocacy Center

Michael Williams, Executive Director

Parents & Clients Info

Dear Parents/Caregivers
What is the Children's Advocacy Center?
What is Child Sexual Abuse?
The Offender & Steps They Take to Access Children
What Are the Effects of Sexual Abuse on My Child?
How Should I Act Toward My Child?
How Parents Sometimes Feel When Abuse Has Been Reported
The Investigation & Facts About the Investigation
Your Team of Professionals
What Happens in Criminal Court?
What To Say To Others
Comments You Can Expect From Others About the Abuse
Related Documents

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF SEXUAL ABUSE ON MY CHILD?

The behavior of your child may change for a time.  Children may have some of the following symptoms:

• Heightened fear or anxiety
• Increased tearfulness or crying
• Changes in sleeping patterns such as nightmares, bedwetting, fear of going to bed, fear of sleeping alone
• Changes in appetite
• Irritability, anger, mood changes
• Withdrawal from usual activities and friends
• Isolation
• Change in school performance such as lower grades, poor concentration, short attention span, or loss of interest in school activities
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Clinging to parents
• Aggressiveness
• Rebelliousness

Children react differently to the abuse depending on age, extent of abuse, support from others, and their relationship with the offender.  You should be aware of any changes in your child’s behavior or disposition, but some children are not visibly changed by the experience.  Do not look too hard for things that are not there.

The single most important factor affecting your child’s recovery is the level of support they receive from you. Your child’s reaction depends very much on how you and other important people handle the situation.  If your child feels especially loved and protected during this time, he or she may recover more quickly.

If you feel torn between loyalty to your child and loyalty to the offender, find a professional (such as a therapist, counselor, minister, or trusted friend) to help you sort out your feelings.  Make sure your child knows that they are your number one priority!

Revised August, 2010

If you suspect abuse, call your local police department or
the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
at 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)