What are Some Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse?
The behavior of sexually abused children is usually not marked by dramatic changes, but by several small ones. Parents need to be aware of subtle changes in their children’s moods and behaviors. Children may have some of the following symptoms as a result of abuse. This is not intended to be a complete list of possible indicators of sexual abuse.Behavioral Signs:
- Nightmares or other sleep disturbances
- Problems in school or with peers; unable to concentrate
- Sudden changes in attitude or behavior
- Withdrawal from usual activities and from others
- Regressive behavior - returning to bedwetting or thumb sucking
- Pseudo-mature behavior - trying to act older than age
- Fear of a certain person or loud objections to being left somewhere or with someone.
- Truancy, running away, promiscuity, or prostitution
- Self-mutilation or abuse of alcohol and drugs
- Eating disorders
- Poor self image
- Drawings, writings or school work of unusual or bizarre sexual themes
- Excessive sexual curiosity or masturbation
- Unusual or explicit knowledge about sex
- Seductive behavior, sexual advances, or aggressive sexual play toward peers or adults
- Suicide attempts; clinical depression
Physical Signs:
- Unexplained headaches, stomach aches, vomiting, fainting, blackouts and the like
- Bedwetting, soiling, or other related problems
- Loss of weight or appetite, or weight gain
- Problems such as itching, pain, or soreness in the genital or anal areas
- Unexplained injury of vagina, rectal opening, penis, or genital areas
- Difficulty in walking or sitting
- Torn, stained, or bloody underclothes
- Sexually transmitted disease or vaginal discharge
- Pregnancy in a child
Often there are no visible indicators. Children react differently depending on age, extent of abuse, support from others and their relationship with the abuser.