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How can you tell if your child is a victim of child sexual abuse?
The link below is from a law firm in Oregon and Washington state. It has some good general information including how to identify and document signs and symptoms of abuse, how to help children disclose abuse, and how to report abuse when it occurs.
https://www.oslundlegal.com/child-sexual-abuse-resources/
If you suspect your former partner is the abuser, you are in a sticky situation. Depending on local laws and judges, your allegations may be used against you later. So if you suspect abuse you will want to:
Document through screen shots, notes, photos, or whatever other legal means you have.
Find a good therapist for your child.
Retain a skilled attorney who can give you best advice and guidance.
It is unwise to make allegations of abuse without having documentation and consulting with an attorney. If a teacher, doctor, or therapist alleges abuse, make sure it is coming from them, not through you.
Looking at California laws as an example of why you need to be super careful:
If you make a false report of child sexual abuse, the judge can place you on supervised visitation or limit your custody or visitation if the judge finds “substantial evidence” that both of the following are true:
Your intent was to interfere with the other parent’s lawful contact with the child; and
You knew that the report was false at the time you made it.
In addition, the judge must believe that limiting your custody is necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the child.
On the other hand, you cannot be placed on supervised visitation, be denied custody or visitation, or have your custody or visitation rights limited due to the fact that you did any of the following:
You reported suspected sexual abuse of the child;
Based on a reasonable belief, you acted within the law to determine if your child was the victim of sexual abuse; and/or
You sought treatment for your child from a licensed mental health professional for suspected sexual abuse.
Finally, it's important to be aware: in many states, even a parent that has been found to be abusive can still be mandated custodial visits.
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