How to Spot Sexual Abuse at Daycare in Fort Worth

Ninety percent of child sexual abuse victims are abused by a person they know, according to the non-profit Darkness to Light. Unfortunately, this remains as true in Fort Worth Texas as it does across the country.

Our Texas child injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw are committed to helping victims of abuse and their families in the Fort Worth community. Our firm of experienced lawyers fights vigorously for the rights of those whose physical and emotional well-being have been threatened by abusive childcare workers.

Whether the abuse occurred within a traditional daycare center, or at another facility where children are cared for outside of the home, our attorneys are here to help.

It isn’t always easy to know how to spot sexual abuse at daycare. Many abusers will intimidate their victims into keeping the abuse a secret. It’s helpful to be cognizant of certain red flags, so abuse can be spotted and stopped as soon as possible.

Children who have been sexually abused often exhibit changes in their emotional behavior. They may have abrupt, acute mood swings, or they might be depressed or suddenly reluctant to engage in physical contact. Nightmares are not uncommon, nor is fearful behavior when they are being dropped off at daycare. They also might act excessively protective of a sibling.

Physical signs of sexual abuse may include recurrent urinary tract or yeast infections. If the child returns home from daycare with their clothes torn or bloody, those could be signs that sexual abuse has occurred. Likewise, if the child complains of itchiness, burning, or pain in their genitals, or if you yourself notice bruises or swelling around their genitalia, these could be signs of sexual abuse.

However, these are not the only indications of sexual abuse. Our Fort Worth Tx daycare abuse lawyers are here to provide you with more comprehensive information, as well as to answer any questions you may have about your specific case.

Victims are not the only ones who may exhibit warning signs. Abusers will sometimes display behavior that’s cause for concern, including (but not limited to) the following:

• They might try to force physical contact on the child in a “playful” manner when it’s plain the child does not want to hug, wrestle, be tickled, etc.
• They may give the child costly presents.
• An abuser might want to spend time with the child without anyone else present.
• An abusive daycare worker might single the child out in either a positive or a negative way: unfairly picking on the child or praising the child as their favorite.
• They might offer to take the child on an outing overnight.
• A sexually abusive worker might intentionally walk in while the child is using the bathroom.
• Sexual abuse at daycare is not cut-and-dry. Worrisome employee behavior may prove to be nothing, or it may indicate the employee is engaging in abusive behavior.

Our child sexual abuse attorneys in Fort Worth know what legal options are available to you should you need to enlist our services against an abuser or require our advice.

Nothing can return what has been taken from a child who has been sexually abused at daycare, but victims and their families are not without recourse. If a loved one has suffered because of an abusive daycare worker, they and their family may be entitled to monetary compensation.

Our Texas child injury attorneys at Carabin Shaw are here to help. That’s why we offer a free case review to anyone seeking legal guidance. Knowledgeable staff is on hand 24/7 to speak with you in either English or Spanish. Call today to schedule your free initial consultation at our toll-free number: 800-862-1260.