Warning Signs of Daycare Sexual Abuse in Houston

A parent’s intuition often detects warning signs before they understand what their child has suffered. Parents or guardians who have noticed abrupt changes in their child’s behavior may suspect that their child has suffered a traumatic experience. While we trust daycare providers to ensure a safe environment for our children, hundreds of children throughout Houston Tx experience sexual abuse from their daycare teachers, careers, or supervisors every year.

Daycare sexual abuse can encompass a wide range of abusive behaviors from inappropriate touching, grooming, or sexual assault. This abuse can happen at daycare centers, after-school programs, church youth groups, or any facility where adults other than family care for children. In fact, RAINN reports that approximately 10% of all children will experience sexual abuse before their eighteenth birthday; these statistics include teachers, babysitters, and daycare workers who exploit the children under their care.

So, how can parents and guardians recognize when their child has suffered this kind of abuse?

Identifying the warning signs of daycare sexual abuse can help parents and guardians detect and stop abuse early. While there are commonalities that may indicate sexual trauma, each child experiences the trauma of sexual abuse in their own way and may exhibit none or many of the following warning signs.

Therefore, if you notice any of the below behaviors, it is best to contact a qualified medical or child psychology professional to identify precisely what your child has experienced. Once your child has received the necessary treatment, contact a qualified Houston child injury lawyer as soon as possible.

Because children likely do not have the appropriate verbal skills to express their trauma or may be threatened or afraid of their abuser, they commonly find it difficult to express their experiences to parents or other adults they trust. In order to provide a resource for parents, the team of Texas personal injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw have compiled the following list of warning signs of daycare abuse; however, it is important to contact a qualified injury lawyer before taking legal action.

Children who have been sexually abused or inappropriately touched at daycare may exhibit:

• Sudden withdrawal and/or antisocial behaviors
• Symptoms of depression
• Aggressive and/or violent behaviors
• Trouble concentrating in school
• Fear of attending daycare
• Night terrors
• Trouble sleeping
• Over-attachment
• Age-inappropriate interest in sexuality
• Genital bleeding or bruising
• Urinary or yeast infections
• Shying away from physical contact
• Bed-wetting
• Pain when sitting down
• Developing STDs
• Self-harm
• Suicidal ideation
• Attempts to express distress in art or writing

Children are the most vulnerable among us and need protection more than anyone. Because a child who has experienced sexual abuse cannot represent themselves in a court of law, they require their legal guardians and Houston child sexual abuse attorney to seek justice for the psychological trauma and physical injury they have suffered. There is not statute of limitations for child abuse cases in the state of Texas, so no matter how long it has been since your child’s abuse, you still have the right to pursue a daycare sexual abuse lawsuit.

For nearly thirty years, the team of sexual assault attorneys at Carabin Shaw have protected the rights of trauma victims and helped them to seek justice. Our years of experience, extensive legal knowledge, and client-first approach have helped victims of daycare sexual abuse recover hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. We are dedicated to representing the best interests of your family throughout a criminal lawsuit or financial settlement negotiation.

If your child has exhibited any of the above warning signs of daycare sexual abuse, call our office toll-free at 800-862-1260 to schedule your no-cost, no-obligation initial consultation. Our English and Spanish-speaking staff are available 24/7 to help you with any scheduling needs or questions about our firm’s services.