Each year, more than seven million children are subjected to some form of abuse or maltreatment, according to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children. Such improper treatment can leave children damaged and scarred for years, or even for the remainder of their lives. Children who have been abused are at higher risk of becoming depressed, becoming addicted to alcohol and/or prescription medications such as opioids, and committing suicide. This is why it is so important to be cognizant of the common signs that a child is being, or has been, abused.
Behavior and Acts Associated with Children Who Have Been Abused or Mistreated
- Has nightmares or other sleep problems without an explanation
- Seems distracted or distant at odd times
- Has a sudden change in eating habits
- Refuses to eat
- Loses or drastically increases appetite
- Has trouble swallowing.
- Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, insecurity or withdrawal
- Leaves “clues” that seem likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues
- Writes, draws, plays or dreams of sexual or frightening images
- Develops new or unusual fear of certain people or places
- Refuses to talk about a secret shared with an adult or older child
- Talks about a new older friend
- Suddenly has money, toys or other gifts without reason
- Thinks of self or body as repulsive, dirty or bad
- Exhibits adult-like sexual behaviors, language and knowledge
- Signs more typical of younger children
- An older child behaving like a younger child (such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking)
- Has new words for private body parts
- Resists removing clothes when appropriate times (bath, bed, toileting, diapering)
- Asks other children to behave sexually or play sexual games
- Mimics adult-like sexual behaviors with toys or stuffed animal
- Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training
Laws Designed to Protect Children and Punish Wrongdoers
Most states have laws on the books that are intended to help protect abuse victims and punish the perpetrators of the abusive acts. For example, pursuant to Nevada Revised State 201.230, an individual who attempts to appeal to, gratify, or arouse the passions of a minor under the age of 16 can be charged with committing lewd or lascivious acts. The term “lewd or lascivious” means any activity that is sexual in nature committed by an adult with a minor. The Nevada Supreme Court has determined that touching any part of a child qualifies as lewd and lascivious if it is done with sexual intent.
NRS 201.230 also heightens the penalty for an adult who inappropriate touches a child who is age thirteen or younger by making it a “delinquent act.”
Serious Consequences If Convicted of NRS 201.230
If an adult is convicted of lewd or lascivious contact with a minor, the ramifications of the conviction will haunt them for the rest of their lives. How? Well, a conviction for this offense means the defendant will have to register as a sex offender for the remainder of their life, even if they relocate to a different state. Being a registered sex offender is usually a devastating penalty since it can effectively alienate a defendant from the community and result in the defendant being unable to secure employment or housing.
Statute of Limitations When Attempting to Prosecute Someone For Alleged Lewd and Lascivious Behavior with a Minor
Generally, an individual can be prosecuted for “lewdness with a minor under the age of sixteen” up until the victim turns age twenty-one. This time period is applicable if the victim discovers (or reasonably should have discovered) that they were the victim of lewd and lascivious behavior by the time they turned age twenty-one. Alternatively, an individual can be prosecuted for “lewdness with a minor under the age of sixteen” up until the victim turns age twenty-eight when the victim does not discover (and reasonably should not have discovered) that they were a victim of lewd and lascivious behavior by the time they turn age twenty-one.
Thorough Investigation into Allegations is Important
Allegations of child abuse and maltreatment of minors are some of the most emotionally-charged and difficult issues that are addressed in the field of criminal law.
When someone is accused of committing lewd and lascivious acts on a minor, it is extremely important for the proper authorities to conduct a thorough investigation of the allegations to ensure the truth comes to light. This can be difficult for a parent who discovers their child may have been abused, or is currently being abused. They may be inclined to immediately convict the accused. Nevertheless, the criminal justice system in the United States includes a presumption of innocence for the accused (a bedrock principle of the U.S. Constitution) and the opportunity for the accuser to convey what happened and have law enforcement prosecute a defendant on their behalf.
Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse hide their trauma for years, with some never disclosing. A recommended method for helping prevent child sexual abuse entails acting as a supportive first responder-type if/when a child discloses to you (the adult). This allows for an environment where the child views you as a safe individual they can turn to as a confidant. It’s also imperative that adults always maintain healthy relationships with children involving clear boundaries and open communication.