The managing director of the Child Abuse Network (CAN) says children who have been sexually abused might be afraid to speak up, but parents can help open the dialogue.
"We need to listen to what is going on with them and provide safety for our children, and let them know that it's ok to talk to somebody and tell somebody if something is disturbing them.," says Rose Turner.
She has more than 20 years of experience dealing with child victims.
"That child may feel helpless and trapped, they don't know where to turn to get help. Sexual abuse is not uncommon for there to be a delayed disclosure," explains Rose Turner.
She describes some of the warning signs are behavioral changes like wetting the bed or children who are worried with sexual behaviors at a young age or might even "try to act out sexually on other children."
Turner says parents should not judge children's behavior, but provide a safety net where they can open up without being judged.
There are also signs of alleged perpetrators.
"Somebody who just tries to isolate a child from parents or other friends and playmates they need to be aware of that," says Turner.
Sometimes adolescent perpetrators have been victims of abuse themselves.
"They have been victimized as a child, and as they grow older, they begin to perpetrate and have power and control over other individuals," says Turner.
She adds that the key to investigating child abuse cases is the interview, a delicate process at CAN.
"A forensic interview is a neutral, non-leading interview for a child. They're given the opportunity to talk about anything that has happened," says Turner.
CAN works closely with the Department of Health Services and Tulsa Police Department with child sexual abuse investigations.
They have interpreters in many languages to try and help any victim.
If you suspect child abuse, contact the Department of Health Services.
