These are the tell-tale warning signs that could help parents identify if their children are being targeted by sexual predators.
Police hope the signals, such as children missing school, or coming home with expensive gifts, will help families realise their children are at risk and step in to protect them. According to Lancashire Police, it is estimated that one in six children experience sexual abuse before the age of 16.
Most survivors suffer the effects of child sexual abuse in silence and never tell anyone about it until much later, if at all. The guidance issued by police with @stopitnowUK comes as part of a drive to raise awareness of the dangers of child sexual exploitation.
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Changes in a child's behaviour could be an indication they have experienced sexual abuse. Warning signs include:
- The child acting in a sexual way with toys or objects
- Suddenly having nightmares or other sleeping problems
- Becoming withdrawn or very clingy
- Personality changes or suddenly seeming insecure
- Regressing to younger behaviours, such as bedwetting
- Unaccountable fear of particular places or people
- Outbursts of anger
- Changes in eating habits
- Physical signs, such as unexplained soreness or bruises around private parts
- Becoming secretive
- Having unexplained gifts such as toys, money, mobile phone, expensive clothes
- Pain, discoloration, bleeding or discharges in genitals, anus or mouth
- Persistent or recurring pain during urination and bowel movements
- Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training
Parent Protect, a child sexual abuse awareness and prevention website, states for parents not to wait for "proof" of child sexual abuse - if you think a child is in immediate danger then call 999 to speak to the police.
A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "It is estimated that one in six children experience sexual abuse before the age of 16 and most survivors suffer the effects of child sexual abuse in silence and never tell anyone about it until much later, if at all.
"We're determined to put a stop to that. But we need your help. Changes in a child's behaviour could be an indication that they have experienced sexual abuse. We're working with @stopitnowUK to raise awareness and show parents, careers or survivors that help is available."
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