HOW CAN I TELL IF A CHILD HAS BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED?

Unfortunately, there is not always a clear signal that indicates a child is being sexual abused. There are, however, signs that indicate a child might be experiencing some kind of abuse. Any one sign does not mean a child is being abused. For example, these signs may indicate a child is experiencing stress due to a divorce or a death in the family. However, if you notice a child is experiencing several of the symptoms listed below, you should be asking questions:

• Pain or itching in genital area;
• Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia;
• Venereal disease;
• An increase in physical complaints;
• Unexplained fear or dislike of certain people or places depression or withdrawal;
• Problems with bedtime or afraid to go to bed;
• Nightmares or other sleep disturbances;
• Lack of confidence;
• Fear of certain people or places (e.g., a child may not want to be left alone with a babysitter, a friend, a relative or some other child or adult; or a child who is usually talkative and cheery may become quiet and distant when around a certain person);
• Frequent stomach illness with no identifiable reason;
• Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, anger or withdrawal;
• Loss of appetite, or trouble eating or swallowing;
• Regression to infantile behaviors such as thumb-sucking or bed-wetting;
• Abnormal interest in sex or knowledge of sexual matters inappropriate for the child's age;
• Frequent genital or urinary tract infections or irritations;
• Preoccupation with their body or excessive masturbation;
• Bedwetting - especially if it begins in a child who has been dry;
• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing;
• Sexual activities with toys or other children, such as simulating sex with dolls or asking other children/siblings to behave sexually;
• New words for private body parts;
• Refusing to talk about a "secret" he/she has with an adult or older child.

In older children and teens you may see additional behaviors such as:

• Self-injury such as burning or cutting;
• Suicide attempts;
• School or discipline problems;
• Eating disorders;
• Low self esteem;
• Running away.