Child Abuse

Signs of Sexual Abuse
Children often don't tell about sexual abuse. However, children who have been sexually abused will sometimes display behavioral, physical, and emotional changes. Many of these changes are not specific to sexual abuse and can be the result of other kinds of trauma or stress. It is important to be alert to these signs and then follow up to identify the cause and get your child help. Keep in mind that they will vary by age.

Behavioral Signs of Abuse
Behaviors that may indicate a problem, including the possibility of sexual abuse:

Acting younger or going back to doing younger tasks and activities.
Sudden changes in behavior.
Fear of being alone with a certain person.
Sudden, unexplained fears of certain places or kinds of people (for example, men with moustaches).
Fear of being touched.
Changes in quality of schoolwork or grades.
Substance abuse.
Delinquency.
Self-mutilation or careless behaviors resulting in self-harm.
Excessive play with their own private body parts.
Persistent sex play with friends, toys, or pets.
Frequent drawings that have sexual content.
Unusual, persistent, or developmentally inappropriate questioning about human sexuality.

Behavior changes in children might not be dramatic, but could include several subtle changes. Become familiar with what is natural and healthy in the sexual development of children. For example, many young children are curious about sexuality and frequently play with their private body parts. An understanding of developmental stages will help you notice if something does not seem right, which might indicate a problem.

Physical Signs of Abuse
Physical signs that may indicate a problem, including the possibility of sexual abuse:

Change in how much the child eats.
Change or increase in sleep disturbances.
Change or increase in soiling, wetting, or bedwetting.
Increase in stomach aches.
Physical pain or itching in the genital area.
Underwear stained with blood or other discharge.
Rectal bleeding.
Problems walking or sitting.

If your child shows any of the physical signs that may indicate sexual abuse, take him or her to a doctor right away.

Emotional Signs of Abuse

Emotional signs that may indicate a problem, including the possibility of sexual abuse: Severe anxiety (for example, nightmares or clinging).
Depression (for example, withdrawal, low self-esteem, suicidal ideation and attempts, or frequent crying).
Extreme anger (for example, tantrums, aggression, or increased irritability).

Talk to your doctor or the counselor at your child's school if your child shows any of these emotional signs.

By Bridgid Normand, M.Ed.
Program Developer
Committee for Children

Safety Steps

Issues & Actions

Child Abuse