Child molestation and sexual abuse of a child is a violation of trust of the worst kind. Let our attorneys help you seek justice.
If you believe that your child was sexually abused by a daycare worker in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, call us toll-free, 24 hours a day at (214) 651-6100 for a free consultation.
Sexual abuse of a child is at the top of any parents’ worst nightmare list. Unbelievably, sexual molestation and abuse occurs far too often by those daycare center employees, teachers and aides to who we entrust our children’s care. Although parents often feel guilty because they failed to detect signs or symptoms of daycare abuse or neglect, the fault or blame does not rest with the parents, but rather, with the daycare center and childcare centers and facilities. Parents often feel responsible because they choose the daycare center for their child.
The truth is that is while a thorough investigation of a daycare is essential when selecting where to send your child, unfortunately our daycare sexual abuse lawyers know the risks of daycare abuse and neglect can never be completely eliminated.
Sexual abuse of a child involves exposing a minor to anything sexual in nature, including inappropriate touching (both the adult touching the child and the child being made to touch the adult), sexual intercourse, showing the child pornographic material, exposing genitalia or masturbation. Sometimes it is difficult to identify the signs of sexual abuse, especially in very young children who cannot relay information about the situation to the parents.
Some tale-tell signs of sexual abuse include the following:
- Excessive sexual curiosity,
- Acting seductively or playing in a sexually suggestive way,
- Recurrent urinary tract infections, pain, itching and/or bruising of the genitals,
- Sudden separation anxiety, nightmares, bed-wetting and confidence and self-esteem problems.
Our experienced daycare sexual abuse lawyers also not that if a child develops an aversion to close contact, particularly with a certain person, there is probably a reason to be suspicious.
It is imperative that parents ask questions about who will be in contact with their children while at the daycare and whether or not all of these people have had background checks. Also important, beginning when the child is very young, is teaching the child about their private areas and that no secrets should be kept about someone who is touching them. Surprisingly, less than 30 percent of parents teach their children about these very important issues.
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Be proactive.
To help you make the right choice for your child, you should consider different options in selecting the best daycare or childcare for your child. Remember that you have choices and should ask questions when you visit each daycare center.
Our daycare sexual abuse lawyers offer the following as a guidelines and a checklist:
- Call each program
- Make an appointment, and visit each daycare center for at least one hour
- Watch activities and the interactions between the staff and children
- Check the surroundings
- Ask questions of both staff and parents.
If your child has been the victim of daycare abuse our daycare sexual abuse lawyers can help. We have extensive experience in dealing with these kinds of cases and can offer you a FREE Consultation Please call us today.
Speak With a Dallas Daycare Abuse Lawyer For Free
The attorneys at Rasansky | McKenzie Law are happy to speak to you about your potential case free of charge. If we can help with your claim, we’ll do so for no out-of-pocket cost to you. Call us 24/7 at (214) 651-6100.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my child has been abused?
Some apparent signs of possible abuse or neglect to be aware of are physical injuries such as bruises, broken bones, abrasions, burns, etc. Among the less evident indicators are sudden changes in a child’s behavior; a normally quiet and calm child may begin to lash out or a usually lively child can become withdrawn. A child who abruptly begins to put up a struggle about going to daycare is also a cause for concern and should be investigated.
How can I tell if my child has been abused?
Some apparent signs of possible abuse or neglect to be aware of are physical injuries such as bruises, broken bones, abrasions, burns, etc. Among the less evident indicators are sudden changes in a child’s behavior; a normally quiet and calm child may begin to lash out or a usually lively child can become withdrawn. A child who abruptly begins to put up a struggle about going to daycare is also a cause for concern and should be investigated.
What are the signs of daycare abuse in infants?
Infants are far more likely than older children to be victims of daycare abuse; however, they are often silent victims. Unlike older children, babies are unable to tell an adult that they are scared, hurt, or anxious.
In some cases, a parent may see visible signs of injury such as bruises, burns, black eyes, cuts, or abrasions. Young babies rarely injure themselves, but it is quite normal for older infants to experience the occasional injury as they explore the world. Frequent or severe injuries or injuries in unusual locations may be a sign of physical abuse. There may also be behavioral signs.
A baby that is abused at a Dallas daycare may show a sudden fear of people of a certain gender, or people with a physical appearance similar to the abuser (for example, women with long blonde hair). They may cry when being dropped off at the childcare facility or they may show fear when separated from a parent.
A baby who has been abused by a daycare provider may:
- Show signs of shaken baby syndrome, including glassy eyes, lethargy, rigidity, irritability, decrease in appetite, difficulty feeding, or vomiting
- Suddenly cringe from or shun a parent’s affections; alternatively, the infant may become excessively clingy
- Show a sudden change in personality; an outgoing, happy baby may become fussy or withdrawn
- Have a change in appetite
- Have difficulty sleeping
- Regress to past behaviors
- Lose skills
A baby who has been sexually abused at a daycare may:
- Have bleeding or bruising around the genital area
- Have a sudden fear of bathing or diaper changes
- Cry when put in a seated position or lose the ability to sit (because of pain)
- Experience pain when walking
- Suffer from urinary tract infections
More signs of daycare abuse.
If you have any concerns about the possibility of abuse, don’t delay action. Your child’s well being is at stake. Discuss the injuries with your pediatrician and contact your local police department to discuss your concerns.
When you are ready, contact a Dallas daycare abuse attorney. A lawsuit can help you hold your daycare provider accountable for the abuse and may protect other children. To learn more, request our free guide, Preventing, Discovering & Acting on Claims of Daycare Abuse, or contact Rasansky | McKenzie Law at (214) 651-6100.
What are the signs of physical abuse at daycare?
In far too many cases, physical daycare abuse goes unchecked in Texas because children are not able to tell their parents what is happening to them. Because young children often do not have the ability or understanding to report daycare abuse, it is all the more important for parents to look for the signs of physical daycare abuse:
- Your child flinches when you raise an arm.
- Your child experiences sleep disturbances.
- Your child has unexplained bruises or other injuries.
- Your child suddenly becomes withdrawn.
- Your child suddenly changes behavior or becomes aggressive.
- Your child voices excessive fear of going to daycare.
- Your child’s behavior regresses – they become very clingy.
See more: Signs of Abuse in Daycare
What are the signs of sexual abuse at daycare?
Sexual abuse at daycare can be absolutely devastating – and in many cases, parents ask themselves why they didn’t know that there was a problem sooner. Children are often too young to tell their parents about sexual abuse, or else they have been threatened by their abuser not to tell. Be sure to look out for the red flags of daycare sexual abuse:
- Your child suddenly becomes withdrawn.
- Your child’s behavior regresses to infant-like actions, such as clinging.
- Your child begins displaying inappropriate sexual behavior.
- Your child shows an unusual interest in sexual topics.
- Your child shows abnormal sexual knowledge.
- Your child becomes inordinately fearful of certain people or places.
- Your child becomes anxious about attending daycare.
- Your child displays sleep disturbances and nightmares.
What are the signs of emotional abuse at daycare?
While most parents are familiar with stories of physical abuse and even sexual abuse at daycare, they may be less familiar with emotional or mental abuse at a daycare. However, emotional and verbal abuse over an extended period of time can lead to very serious and long-term psychological trauma.
Some behavioral indicators of daycare emotional abuse include behavioral problems (such as cruel behavior toward other people or animals), habit disorders (such as rocking or head-banging), age-inappropriate behaviors (such as wetting or soiling) and behavioral extremes (listless one moment and overly aggressive the next).
Some physical indicators of emotional abuse could include a significant change in weight, developmental disorders, and nervous disorders.
See more signs of daycare abuse.
