In most cases of child sexual abuse, the child knows and trusts the person who abuses them. However, most child cases are not reported. What can adults do to protect children? Learn signs of sexual abuse.

An adult or youth who has a sexual behavior problem may:

• Spend most of their spare time with children rather than people their own age
• Get time alone or insist on time alone with a child, without interruptions
• Refuse to let a child set limits
• Hug, touch, kiss, tickle, wrestle, or hold a child - even if the child does not want this
• Be overly interested in a child or teen's sexuality
• Regularly offer to baby-sit free or take children overnight alone
• Buy costly gifts and give children money for no clear reason
• Often walk in on children or teens in the bathroom
• Often allow children and teens to get away with improper behavior.

If a child has been abused, they may:

• Have nightmares, or a fear of the dark, or other sleep problems
• Show a change in appetite
• Have sudden mood swings, rage, fear, anger, or withdraw
• Show fear of certain people or places
• Show sexually inappropriate behaviors.
• An older child may act young, with bed-wetting or thumb-sucking.
• Adolescents may cut or burn themselves.

If you want to learn more, or have concerns, visit Stop It Now! Minnesota. Its mission is to prevent sexual abuse before a child is harmed. This includes preventing people from being inappropriate towards any child. Call their helpline at 1-888-PREVENT (773-8368). Or visit United Way 211 Minnesota. Their phone number is 211 or (651) 291-0211.

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