Warning Signs Your Child Has Been Molested at Daycare
When a parent discovers that their child has become the victim of molestation at a daycare, it is natural to feel anger and heartache. A child abuse lawyer can help seek the justice your child deserves. If you suspect your child has been molested at a daycare facility, our sexual molestation lawyers in Victoria Tx are prepared to advocate on your child’s behalf.
Molestation cases in the state of Texas are taken very seriously and should be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. One of our compassionate child injury lawyers serving Victoria at Carabin Shaw Law Firm can help begin the difficult process of filing and pursuing a lawsuit and provide guidance and support during this painful time.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Molestation?According to the Department of Justice, the term molestation can be defined as “contacts or interactions such as inappropriate physical contact between a child and adult.” With that definition in mind, any adult who has sexually engaged with a child by touching, kissing, fondling, rubbing, etc. can be held liable for molestation charges.
While the molestation perpetrators are usually charged with criminal charges, our group of Victoria Tx child sexual abuse attorneys can also file a lawsuit for monetary restitution for the child’s medical bills as well as any future expenses.
Warning Signs of MolestationSigns of sexual abuse in children manifest themselves as physical, behavioral, emotional, or all three at once. Sometimes children may not be able to verbalize the abuse because they may not know that certain sexual actions are wrong. It is up to the parents to heed the warning signs.
Some of the common signs of sexual abuse and molestation include:
- Bloody, torn, or stained underwear
- Bruising, bleeding, or itching around the genitals
- Difficulty sitting due to discomfort or pain
- Development of an STD
- Frequent UTIs/yeast infections
Many children who have become victims of sexual abuse also exhibit behavioral and emotional signs of the abuse.
These could include:
- Fear of being dropped off at the daycare facility
- Avoidance of a specific adult/caretaker
- Sexualized play with toys
- Use of sexually mature language
- Frequent nightmares and bedwetting
- Withdrawn behavior, depression, PTSD
- Sexual play or mimicking of the behavior with other children
It is important to keep in mind that abusers typically groom children in order to gain their trust and avoid being caught so paying attention to the warning signs is crucial. A child who has suffered from molestation or other forms of sexual abuse may not always reveal the abuse due to shame, guilt, or fear.
An expert child sexual abuse lawyer understands and is familiar with the warning signs your child has been molested at daycare. They know that children rarely lie about sexual molestation, and are willing to diligently investigate your case.
What Is Negligent Supervision?Child sexual abuse charges can extend beyond the abuser. A facility that provides child care such as a daycare, church, youth group, or a sports organization is legally and morally responsible for supervising all employees and children under their care.
When a child care facility does not adhere to the responsibility of intervening when inappropriate sexual behaviors are exhibited, they may also be held liable. Victoria Tx attorneys at Carabin Shaw can investigate if a daycare facility’s actions constitute negligence.
If a daycare is found negligent, a child sexual abuse attorney can file a civil lawsuit not only against the perpetrator but also the daycare institution. If the daycare failed to stop or investigate sexual abuse allegations, victims may seek monetary compensation for pain and suffering.
Contact Carabin Shaw for a Free Initial ConsultationContact our team of Victoria Tx attorneys at Carabin Shaw if you notice any of the warning signs of molestation in your child. We are here to listen and serve you.
Contact us toll free at 800-862-1260 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation. Someone is available to speak with you 24/7. También hablamos Español.