School Sexual Abuse Lawyer Springfield, IL
Parents have come to the realization that abuse can happen to their children in almost any location, including the school they attend. Child abuse in schools can be especially damaging as it affects the ability to process information and focus. Educators and school staff may take advantage of their positions and hurt children who are there to learn. If you suspect that abuse has happened to your child while they were in school, we urge you to speak with our Springfield, IL school sexual abuse lawyer immediately. Cases of this nature must be taken seriously and swift action to hold the offenders accountable. Our team at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols is ready to speak with you about what happened and what to do next.
Why Abuse Happens In School
Child abuse is more common in schools than parents may want to admit. Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter if your child is enrolled in a public or private school, as there is no guarantee that abuse won’t occur. Sadly, studies show that much of the abuse actually goes unreported. Teachers and staff are in a position of power over impressionable and young students. That power may be exploited to hurt children. Kids may be too afraid to speak out and tell someone about it due to feeling intimidated, embarrassed, or worried they won’t be believed. Some students are too young to realize what is happening, which is particularly problematic in regards to sexual abuse.
Signs Of Student Abuse
If your child has been acting differently and withdrawn, it may be worth taking a closer look at what is going on in their lives without violating their privacy. Sometimes children go through difficult periods simply because they are learning about what it means to be a person growing towards adulthood. Parents can watch out for signs that something is going on in their child’s life. As our knowledgeable school sexual abuse attorney explains, signs that abuse may be happening in school can include but are not limited to:
- The child being timid around teachers or other adults
- The child is afraid to go to school
- Unexplained cuts, bruises, burns, cuts, bites, broken bones, or other signs of physical trauma
- Fading bruises or marks that could point to past incidents of abuse
- Teachers or staff making excessively negative comments about a student
- Difficulty sitting or walking
- Stained or torn undergarments
- Unusual bleeding, swelling, or bruising in genital area
- Withdrawn, isolating, or other changes in mood/personality
- Inappropriate knowledge about sexual topics or sex
- Nightmares or bedwetting
- Extreme changes in child’s behavior
- The child withdraws from activities they once enjoyed
- Running away from home
- Poor performance in school
- Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols
Realizing that your child may be suffering from abuse at school can be terrifying for any parent. Every child deserves to go to school without fear of abuse. Schools are supposed to be safe environments where a student can learn without mistreatment from those who are in positions of power over them. Contact our IL school sexual abuse attorney today if you suspect your child has been abused. Our team at Pioletti Pioletti & Nichols understand how stressful this situation may be. Let us help so that the offenders are held accountable and your child gets the support they need.
