Warning signs of abuse Warning signs of abuse (August 12, 2005)

The news that a trusted youth leader had been arrested for allegedly having sex with three underage girls sent shivers down the backs of many local parents this week.

Dr. Philippe Rey, the executive director of Adolescent Counseling Services, noted that many parents fear the stranger in a dark coat lingering near the playground, but most perpetrators are family members or people in authority.

"They gain the trust of the child and parents would never suspect," he said.

Rey provided a list of warning signs of abuse:

*A change in behavior, such as the youth suddenly becoming more aggressive or depressed;

*Visible signs of physical abuse, such as burn marks, hand marks, blood on clothing or torn clothing;

*Sexually transmitted diseases;

*An older youth regressing to childish behavior;

*Soiling or wetting the bed, if the youth hadn't done that in a while;

*A youth acting out "age-inappropriate" sexual behavior; or

*A youth having more knowledge of sex than is appropriate for their age.

"If you suspect anything it's worth inquiring," Rey said. "It's better to be wrong but ask the right question than be right and not ask the right question."

Suspicions should always be reported to the authorities, Rey advised.

"Leave the professionals to do their job," he said. "Don't allow it to go on even if it's just a suspicion."

Parents or youth seeking help can call the California Crisis Line, run through the Department of Social Services, at (916) 445-2771 or the toll-free National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-Abuse.

-- Bill D'Agostino

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