Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center

• Seems threatened by physical contact or closeness by another person
• Inappropriate or excessive sexual touching or play
• Premature understanding of sex
• Overly curious and/or frequently talks about sex
• Drawings that show sexual acts or other pre-occupation with sex
• Pain, swelling or itching in the genital area
• Relapse into bedwetting and frequent nightmares
• Frequent urinary or yeast infections in girls
• Exhibiting self-harming behaviors
• Sudden weight change
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Underclothing stained by excessive discharge or blood
• Other behaviors or attitudes that are unusual for your child

Be aware that in some children there are no signs whatsoever

• Burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or physical marks that are unexplained, shrugged off, or accompanied by bizarre explanations
• Acts scared at the approach or closeness of adults
• Exhibits self-destructive behaviors
• Exhibits extreme withdrawn and/or aggressive behaviors
• Arrives at school early or stays late as if afraid to be at home
• Wears extra clothing to cover his/her body

• The most important thing is to believe your child. Many children who are not believed will not risk telling a trusted adult again.
• Remain calm and let the child tell his/ her story.
• Don’t interrogate the child – let them tell their story in their own words.
• Reassure the child that it is not their fault and that they did nothing wrong.
• Report the incident to the appropriate authority where professionals will provide the child a safe environment in which to talk to specially trained adults. This lessens the trauma experienced by the child.

IF YOU SUSPECT CHILD ABUSE YOU MUST REPORT IT - IT’S THE LAW!

Report anonymously by calling the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Hotline:

1-877-237-0004

Parent Helpline: 1-800-356-6767

Phone counseling available 24 hours a day with trained professionals. Spanish speaking counselors available weekdays after 6:00 p.m. and weekends.

• Eliminate or reduce one on one adult/child interactions
• Teach your children about their bodies, about what abuse is, and when age appropriate about sex
• Talk to your child about “safe touches” and “unsafe touches”
• Teach your children to say “no” to any unwanted touches, even if it is from someone they know
• Closely monitor children’s Internet access and use parental controls
• Participate in your child’s activities and get to know their friends
• Pay attention when someone shows greater than normal interest in your child
• Ask questions when your child does not want to be with someone or when you notice behavior or attitude changes