It’s hard to believe it, but we are just a few short weeks away from the start of the school year. Backpack giveaways are in full swing (thanks to Making A Difference & our local Unite Ways!), school supplies are on sale, and school personnel are reporting back for training and new school year prep. Before the students head back, make sure you’re ready to be a part of preventing and interrupting child abuse with training from SARCC!
Mandated Reporters in Pennsylvania have the responsibility to be adequately trained, aware, and prepared to identify common signs of abuse and report it through ChildLine. Child abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, or based on neglect. Children who are withdrawn, reactive, or showing fear or anxiety around specific children, teens, or adults may be struggling with abuse.
Common signs of child sexual abuse that we have worked with at SARCC include:
Physical signs:
- Pain or itching in private areas
- Bruises or bleeding in private areas
- STI’s
- Nightmares or other sleep disturbances
- Frequent stomach illness with no explanation
- Loss of appetite, or trouble eating or swallowing
- Frequent genital or urinary tract infections or irritations
Behavioral signs:
- An increase in physical complaints, like those described above
- Problems with bedtime or fear of going to sleep
- Fear of certain people or places
- Regression to younger behaviors such as thumb-sucking or bed-wetting
- Abnormal interest in sex or knowledge of sexual matters inappropriate for the child’s age
- Preoccupation with their body or masturbation
- Bedwetting — especially if it begins in a child who has been dry
- Sexual activities with toys or other children, such as simulating sex with dolls or asking other children/siblings to behave sexually
- Using new words for private body parts
- Refusing to talk about a ‘secret’ they have with an adult or older child
Emotional signs:
- Unexplained fear or dislike of certain people or places
- Depression or withdrawal
- Lack of confidence
- Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, anger, or withdrawal
With suspected child abuse, start by believing. Adults can be courageous enough to check in, have hard conversations, and take action by reporting your concerns.
SARCC has 3 trained facilitators of a state-approved mandated reporter training that meets requirements for licensure and training for both professionals and volunteers. Thanks to local and state funding, these trainings are available at no cost to our community. Contact info@sarccheals.org to request more information.
