Do you think this child was sexually abused or am I overthinking this?

Question

During my break, one of my students came into my classroom and asked to call her Mother. I kept asking her why and she wouldn't tell me at first. Finally she said that her privates hurt everytime she goes to the bathroom.

So I told her I'd walk her to the nurse. As we were walking down the hall she started crying. I kept trying to talk to her and ask what was wrong but she said nothing. When I asked her why she was crying, she kept saying she didn't know.

I asked if anyone had hurt her and she said no. After I dropped her off at the nurse, I went to speak to her teacher from last year.

Her teacher said, "That's probably just a bunch of drama".

The child does have a history of issues (Mom is 23 w/six kids, no Dad, they live in poverty). When I put the child in a corner once for her uncontrollable behavior, she started hitting her head against the wall.

Answer 1

It could have been an infection or something, but you are right to be concerned. I would probably just keep an eye on her...

Answer 2

All of the symptoms you are describing are signs of abuse.  This should definitely be reported to child protective services and the child's home life will be investigated to determine if further action is needed.  You can do this anonymously but as a teacher, you may be legally required to report suspicion of abuse.

Answer 3

I would definatly have dfs check into it. It doesnt sound good. Poor little girl. Please do this. Talk to the principal of your school and find out the proper procedure of doing this. good luck and keep an eye on her.

Answer 4

One simple explanation for her "privates hurting when she goes to the bathroom" is that she might have a bladder infection, which can be very painful. Talk to her mother, she should go to the doctor and have a urine test done to rule out bladder infection.

Yes, all of these signs could point to some sort of abuse. The child should be assigned to you school or board psychologist for followup, for safe measure. A teacher is bound by law to report any cases of suspected child abuse.

Answer 5

I think the situation should be investigated.  Could be abuse, could be something else.  I think your co-worker was a bit too casual about the situation.  (I wouldn't be surprised to find that she's the poster child for the anti-tenure movement.)

Answer 6

The first thing you need to do is be proud of yourself for noticing this. Even if she isn't being sexually abused, she obviously needs some help

Call her mom down to school and sit down and talk with her face to face. Make sure she knows she has your support.

She may deny anything being wrong but she could just be protecting an abusive boyfriend. You may need to call in a counsellor or psychiatrist. Let the head of the school know too.

Make sure, above all, that the child knows she is safe. She has you, hopefully her mom, and the rest of the school behind her. Remember, she's young, confused, and innocent. She's very impressionable so try not to ask her too many persistent questions.

Good luck.

Answer 7

Possible does the mother have a husband or boyfreind cause a stepfather might try to do stuff to her... but how old is the girl hopfully its nothing bad good luck

Answer 8

It may be something as simple as a UTI.  But suppose it is indeed a case of sexual abuse?   If you ignore this incident, and it turns out later on that she WAS abused, you will blame yourself forever for not reporting it.   If I were in your shoes, I would go ahead and follow your school's protocol for reporting such incidents.  Even if it turns out to be nothing, it sounds as though the family could use some help in general, and something good might come of it.

Answer 9

Did anyone think it might be a urinary tract infection?  Or was it the other area that hurt when she went?  I don't know how much "drama" a child that young could do.  I would really try to gain this child's confidence and get her to talk to you, and maybe you can find out.  

What did the nurse find out?  If you find out she has been abused, you HAVE to report it.  Mandatory reporting for teachers, otherwise you would be responsible if something happened and you had known about it.  Hopefully it is just an infection.

Answer 10

it could be a numerous amount of things that is going on (sexual assult, UTI....)   but i do think it would be wise for the school to contact the mother and get her in for a parent meeting..... something is not sounding right here.....

Answer 11

She certainly needs to talk to a professional if nothing else. She might just have some kind of infection making her hurt but she still has other issues that need to be dealt with. Is there a way to bring in some sort of child care advocate?

Answer 12

I'd hope if my child were doing that, they'd order me to take her to the doctor to find out if she had a bladder infection from not wiping right. Or for any other suspected reason. But in any case, to put it in the parent's hands first. Ifyou want to help with emotional stuff, you can try by properly influencing her in classroom discussions, but besides that and a professional trained for that, you shouldn't overstep your bounds when you don't know what kind of mind the girl has on top of what she lives in.

Answer 13

it doesnt sound like sexual abuse to me...although you never know these days as sadly it happens more and more often. she may have a UTI or something like that and a lot of kids wont talk about it because of where its at. as for the hitting her head, she may have a behavior disorder and it needs to be brought to her mothers attention. good luck!!!!

Answer 14

My daughter is 4 and she has FREQUENT rashes in that area cause she forgets to wipe OR worse she uses a kid-wipie (baby wipe) in the front when I've told her that it's only meant for when she goes poo-poo (get what I'm talking about) so then the -area- stays wet and then turns red/rash.

It can get severe if not treated ASAP.  So I keep Desitin handy, even though she's already going on 5!  

I go through this monthly with her,...

I'm sure the nurse can check to see if it's red or if it's been forcefully touched.

I'm glad you're concerned though.

I think more teachers should be aware as you are -and taking action.

Answer 15

there could me a medical reason for the private pain.  many infections could cause it, bladder infection, kidney infection, yeast infection, etc.  if she has been on medications recently they can cause a yeast infection. bladder/kidney infection could be from lack of proper diet.  she may well have behavioral problems that are completely seperate from the "pain" and it sounds like a trusted adult/counselor might be in order.  if you are truely concerned i would contact social services