Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer in Texas

What is Child Sexual Abuse in Texas Daycares?

Any sexual activity with a minor is child sexual abuse since children cannot consent. Sexual abuse does not always have to be physical.

Daycare providers can sexually abuse children by exposing themselves or by producing, owning, or sharing pornographic images or movies. Sexual abuse also includes, but isn’t limited to, touching, fondling, and intercourse.

While parents may believe that sexual abuse happens when the predator and victim are alone, this isn’t always true. Sexual abuse can occur at daycare even when there are other children or workers nearby.

Pedophiles often groom their victims ahead of time, paying special attention to the child and trying to earn their trust. Often, the child feels like they are an accomplice to the crime, and if they tell anyone, they fear they will get into trouble. Parents may worry about “stranger danger” when it comes to their children, but the truth is that more often than not, sexual abuse happens with a person of trust.

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) estimates that as many as 93 percent of victims under the age of 18 know the abuser.

What Signs of Sexual Abuse Should Parents Look For?

It’s not always easy to see the signs of child sexual abuse; however, there are some physical and behavioral changes parents may notice and should be concerned about.

Physical signs

Infections or soreness around the genital area – including urinary tract infections, yeast infections, or signs of a sexually transmitted infection
Bleeding, bruising, and swelling around the genital area
Bloody, torn, or stained clothing
Difficulty walking or sitting

Behavioral Signs

Unusual interest in sexual matters. Often, children experiencing sexual abuse will start to act out inappropriate sexual behavior. Some children might have knowledge about sexual matters well beyond what they should know.
Anxiety or fear about daycare. A child who is being sexually abused at daycare might fake an illness to get out of going or express anxiety or fear about being dropped off at daycare. If this seems to be a recurring pattern, it could mean daycare abuse has occurred.
Sudden changes in behavior. Young children in particular often start to act out when they are experiencing abuse. If your normally even-tempered child suddenly starts to show aggressive behavior, this could mean there is daycare abuse. Some children will regress instead; for example, a child who is potty trained might suddenly start wetting or soiling their pants. Children who are abused may also start to exhibit symptoms of depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Recurring nightmares. When your child suddenly starts having bad dreams or difficulty sleeping, this might mean something is happening at daycare.

It’s possible for some of these behaviors to be part of normal childhood behavior. Parents know their children and know what is normal and not. If you believe your child has been abused, it’s important to report it immediately to both the police and the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. You can file your report online or on the phone at any time.

What Types of Damages Can Be Recovered after Sexual Abuse?

If you believe your child is a victim of child sexual abuse at a Texas daycare or other childcare facility, there are a variety of damages that could be recovered. It’s important to take your child to a doctor if you believe they have been abused. Some signs of abuse may not be obvious, but a doctor will be able to help identify if your child was injured or if they have a sexually transmitted infection.

The physical injuries may take more than one doctor’s visit to address, and sexually transmitted infections or other injuries could require several rounds of medicine. Our team at The Button Law Firm works to help families recover damages for those doctor’s visits, as well as for the cost of visiting a psychologist. Child sexual abuse can have lasting effects that require therapy and other treatments for months or even years.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Contact a Lawyer After My Child Is Injured?

It’s important to hire an attorney soon after the incident to ensure a case is filed within the statute of limitations. Each state has a time period within which a claim for damages must be made, which is called the statute of limitations. The laws are often dependent on who was hurt, the situation, and where the incident happened. It’s important to speak with a lawyer to make sure your case is filed in the correct timeframe.

Why Should I Work With The Button Law Firm?

Cases involving children can be complex, which is why it is important to work with a law firm that understands child injury cases and has experience holding daycares, schools, and companies accountable when they fail to protect children.

At The Button Law Firm, we represent kids in daycare and child injury cases to help them get life-changing results and justice against bad daycares, schools, and companies that abuse and neglect the safety of children. Our team is here to answer your questions, help your family understand what comes next, and stand with you as you seek accountability and justice for your child.

What Areas of Texas Do You Serve?

If your child was abused in a private daycare or after-school care center in Texas, contact our experienced daycare and child injury legal team at the Button Law Firm. We represent children from all over Texas, including but not limited to West Texas, Houston, and Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). We are dedicated to protecting children from serious injury, and we will make sure the daycare center and childcare worker responsible for your child’s injury are held accountable – as we have helped guide many parents and families within Midland, Houston, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.

How Can I Get In Touch With The Button Law Firm?

It’s very easy to reach a member of our team. You can send us an email at intake@buttonlawfirm.com, or you can call us at 214-699-4409. You can also reach us through the contact form on our website.