Signs of Sexual Abuse

Signs of Sexual Abuse


There are various lists of possible physical and behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse.

It is important to understand that children who have never been sexually abused may exhibit some of the signs.


Waking up during the night sweating, screaming or shaking with nightmares. (may be an indicator of health problems, food poisoning, etc)


playing with yourself, spanking the monkey excessively. (may be an indicator of exposure to p 0 r n o g r a p h y, rather then abuse)


Showing unusually aggressive behavior toward family members, friends, toys, and pets.


Complaining of pain while urinating or having a bowel movement, or exhibiting symptoms of genital infections such as offensive odors, or symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease.


Having symptoms indicating evidence of physical traumas to the genital or anal area.


Beginning wetting the bed.


Experiencing a loss of appetite or other eating problems, including unexplained gagging.


Showing unusual fear of a certain place or location.


Developing frequent unexplained health problems.


Engaging in persistent sexual play with friends, toys or pets.


Having unexplained periods of panic, which may be flashbacks from the abuse.


Regressing to behaviors too young for the stage of development they already achieved.


Initiating sophisticated sexual behaviors.


Indicating a sudden reluctance to be alone with a certain person. (fear of that person due to abuse?)


Engaging in self-mutilations, such as sticking themselves with pins or cutting themselves. (A strong sign of trauma, f.example extreme abuse?)


Withdrawing from previously enjoyable activities, like school or school performance change. (possible mobbing indicator?)


Asking an unusual amount of questions about human sexuality. (May be an indicator of natural curiosity. What is unusual?)


(By Kathy Smedley, Licensed Professional Counselor, a Licensed Marriage, Family Therapist, and Program Director for the Northeast Texas Children's Advocacy Center.)


http://www.protectkids.com/abuse/abusesigns.htm
Tweet