Adults may be unwilling or may find it hard to believe a child's complaint of abuse, but children rarely lie about sexual abuse. Parents should assure children that they will be believed and loved no matter what they have to tell. Warning signs include changes in a child's personality, a sudden aversion to another person, and unusual secretiveness. Parents should be alert to unexplained bruises, tenderness, and rashes, especially on or about the genitalia and mouth. They should question unwarranted gifts or money and talk with children about close relationships they form with adults.
Sexual abuse makes up three-fourths of all crimes against children.
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