Warning signs your new boyfriend, family friend is sexually abusing your child

PITTSBURGH — A child abuse case came into the Channel 11 newsroom Thursday and prompted Renee Kaminski to ask some very difficult questions.

A 46-year-old man from the West End is charged with having sex with a child of a woman he was dating.

Kaminski did some checking and found out that in Allegheny County at least nine out of every 10 children who are sexually abused are hurt by someone they know and trust, like their mom's new boyfriend.

But is there a way a single mom can spot these guys ahead of time? She went to find out.

Juan Hernandez sits in jail Thursday night, accused of having sex with a former girlfriend's daughter.

According to police, the abuse took place over three years when the child and her mother were living with Hernandez in his home.

"Child abuse occurs 90 percent of the time by somebody the family or victim knows and trusts," said Alison Hall, the director of Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.

Hall said there are signs of which single moms should be aware.

"Showering your child with gifts, making arrangements or wants to spend a lot of time with that child, or if the child comes and tells you there's a secret," said Hall.

Hall said other warning signs will come from the child.

"Bedwetting, withdrawing from family and friends and the child suddenly behaving in a sexual way," said Hall.

Hall said communication is key.  Teach your child there should be no secrets between a child and a parent and that no other adult should ask a child to keep a secret.

WPXI