Daycare Sexual Abuse Warning Signs in Dallas Tx

Sexual abuse is horrific—but it happens all too often. Even more unthinkable is someone you trust perpetrating the act. According to the CDC, 91% of childhood sexual abuse victims are harmed by someone they know. If your child was sexually abused at a daycare in Dallas Texas, help is available.

Daycare abuse can cause lasting emotional, physical, and financial damage. Our Dallas Tx child injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw want to fight for you. We use our years of experience and strong client commitment to pursue justice and compensation whenever possible. Contact us for a free consultation today.

Parents hope that their children would talk to them after being victimized, but this isn’t always the case. According to the Crime Victims Center, many children will never disclose sexual abuse. But why?

Often, abusers “groom” their victims to build trust and “friendship.” They may convince the child that they are a willing participant in the abuse, causing great shame. Other abusers use fear and intimidation to keep their victims from speaking out. They may threaten the child’s family or convince the child that no one will believe them.

Unfortunately, these tactics tend to work well on young children. Thus, paying close attention to common warning signs is vital.

Physical, emotional, and behavioral changes are usually the first daycare sexual abuse warning signs. Pay close attention if your child is exhibiting the following signals, and trust your instincts if something seems “off.” It may be time to seek help from the police, Child Protective Services, and an attorney.

Physical signs of daycare sexual abuse include:

• Torn or bloody underwear
• Difficulty walking or sitting
• STIs
• Red, sore, itchy, or otherwise irritated genitals

Emotional/behavioral signs of daycare sexual abuse include:

• Clinginess
• Age-inappropriate knowledge of sex
• Acting out sexual activities during play
• Nightmares or night terrors
• Aggression
• Fear of returning to daycare
• Emotional withdrawal
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Regressive behaviors, such as thumb-sucking
• Poor self image
• Self harm
• Bedwetting

While these warning signs don’t always mean sexual abuse occurred, children exhibiting any of the above should be carefully monitored. You should also talk with them, but make sure they feel safe when doing so. If you discover that your child has been sexually abused by a caregiver, Dallas daycare abuse lawyers, like those at Carabin Shaw, can help protect your family’s rights.

Once the police investigate your child’s abuse, Dallas District Attorney John Creuzot may file charges against the abuser. But, you can also hire a lawyer to file civil charges. The goal of criminal cases is to punish an abuser (if they are found guilty), while civil cases are about recouping damages. Compensation can cover:

Your child may require medical examinations, treatment for STIs, and/or ongoing therapy for their trauma.

In the aftermath of your child’s sexual abuse, you may be too emotionally distraught, or too busy with medical and legal appointments, to work full time.

The lasting negative effects of sexual abuse, such as PTSD and depression, may affect your child’s ability to maintain employment when they reach adulthood.

Although not as easy to calculate as economic damages, pain and suffering can be used to evaluate compensation owed. Dallas Tx child injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw can help estimate and argue the severity of your family’s suffering.

Recovering from a severe trauma like sexual abuse may take years. Your family has suffered enough—compensation can help alleviate the burden.

If you’ve recognized the warning signs of daycare sexual abuse, don’t wait to take action. Child sexual abuse attorneys in Dallas are here to advocate for your family and seek justice. Contact Carabin Shaw for a free initial consultation.

Call us toll-free at 800-862-1260. English and Spanish speakers are available 24/7.