Sexual Abuse Definition

Sexual exploitation of a child, including rape, incest, fondling, exhibitionism, or pornography

Symptoms, or indications of abuse, vary greatly from child-to-child (or on an individual basis -- or in each individual case). Possibly only one, or a few, or none of these symptoms (or indicators) will be readily apparent in a child who IS being abused.

Absence of any or all of these indicators does NOT mean that a child is NOT being abused. If you suspect there is a problem, do NOT try to diagnose or determine the extent of the problem on your own; please contact a professional immediately.

Physical Indicators

• torn, stained or bloody underclothing
• pain swelling or itching in genital area
• difficulty walking or sitting
• bruises or bleeding in genital area
• venereal disease
• frequent urinary or yeast infections

Behavioral Indicators

• withdrawal, chronic depression
• excessive seductiveness
• role reversal, overly concerned for siblings
• poor self esteem, self devaluation, lack of confidence
• peer problems, lack of involvement
• massive weight change
• suicide attempts (especially adolescent)
• hysteria, lack of emotional control
• inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex
• threatened by physical contact, closeness
• unwilling to change clothes in front of anyone
• exhibits fantasy or baby-like behavior
• frequent nightmares
• high level of unexplained anxiety

*Disclaimer*

Remember these are just indicators and to do not validate that abuse has occurred. Check with a physician and mental health professional.

physical abuse | physical neglect | sexual abuse
emotional abuse | effects of abuse
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