The West Cook YMCA
West Cook YMCA Child Safety - See

SEE

SEE. Keep your eyes and ears open for signs of abuse and talk with your child, asking them about your concerns. If something is wrong, you may see a sudden change in your child’s behavior, or you may hear unusual comments. If you see or hear these things, follow up. Find a relaxed time to talk with them.

Child Abuse Warning Signs

  • Frequent or unexplained bruises or injury
  • Unkempt or malnourished appearance
  • Bathing frequently; obsessive cleanliness
  • Disturbed sleeping or eating patterns
  • Inability to stay awake or concentrate for extended periods
  • Abrupt changes in behavior, anxiety, clinging, aggressiveness or withdrawal
  • Sudden, dramatic changes in activities or personality
  • Sexually transmitted diseases and infections
  • Fear of a certain person (this can include other minors) or place
  • Discomfort with physical contact
  • Fearfulness or depression
  • Aggression toward adults or other children
  • Abuse of other children
  • Nervousness around adults
  • Low self esteem
  • Displays knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to his/her age
  • Watch for these things in adults that may signify potential abuse. Remember, offenders seek access, privacy & control.

Emotional Boundary Violations

  • Making them feel important, cared about and understood
  • Spending too much time with them
  • Choosing favorites
  • Giving gifts
  • Acting possessive
  • Sending excessive or inappropriate text messages
  • Pretending to be the child’s friend on social networking sites like Facebook
  • Sharing personal information to make the child feel like they have a special relationship
  • Promising extra coaching time, a college scholarship, a place on a national team or even an Olympic Team spot!
  • Physical Boundary Violations
  • Tickling
  • Horseplay
  • Hugging
  • Massaging
  • Wrestling
  • Going overboard with affection
  • Behavioral Boundary Violations

Offenders manipulate kids into doing things they wouldn’t otherwise do, such as:

  • Sneaking around by saying they will be in one place when actually they are in another
  • Keep secrets with the offender
  • Look at pornography
  • Use drugs or alcohol