Help Protect our Children
November 23, 2009
CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
The district has established a plan for addressing child sexual
abuse, which may be accessed at Jourdanton ISD. As a parent,
it is important for you to be aware of warning signs that could
indicate a child may have been or is being sexually abused. Sexual
abuse in the Texas Family Code is defined as any sexual conduct
harmful to a child’s mental, emotional, or physical welfare as well
as a failure to make a reasonable effort to prevent sexual conduct
with a child. Anyone who suspects that a child has been or may be
abused or neglected has a legal responsibility, under state law,
for reporting the suspected abuse or neglect to law enforcement or
to Child Protective Services (CPS).
Possible physical warning signs of sexual abuse could be difficulty
sitting or walking, pain in the genital areas, and claims of
stomachaches and headaches. Behavioral indicators may include
verbal references or pretend games of sexual activity between
adults and children, fear of being alone with adults of a
particular gender, or sexually suggestive behavior. Emotional
warning signs to be aware of include withdrawal, depression,
sleeping and eating disorders, and problems in school.
A child who has experienced sexual abuse should be encouraged to
seek out a trusted adult. Be aware as a parent or other trusted
adult that disclosures of sexual abuse may be more indirect than
disclosures of physical abuse, and it is important to be calm and
comforting if your child, or another child, confides in you.
Reassure the child that he or she did the right thing by telling
you.
As a parent, if your child is a victim of sexual abuse, the campus
counselor or principal will provide information regarding
counseling options for you and your child available in your area.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS) also
manages early intervention counseling programs.
To find out what services may be available in your county, see
http://www.dfps.state.tx.ds/Prevention_and_Early_Intervention/
Programs_Available_In_Your_County/default.asp
The following Web sites might help you become more aware of child
sexual abuse:
http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index.aspx?id=2820
http://sapn.nonprofitoffice.com/
http://www.taasa.org/member/materials2.php
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse1.shtml
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/AG_Publications/txts/childabuse2.shtml
Reports may be made to:
The Child Protective Services (CPS) division of the Texas
Department of Family and Protective Services (1 800-252-5400 or on
the Web at http://www.txabusehotline.org).
