SIGNS OF ABUSE
When it comes to sexual abuse in children, there are many possible signs that one can look out for. Some are physical and others are behavioral/emotional.
(Source: mamabeareffect.org)
PHYSICAL SIGNS
Unfortunately, all too often there are no obvious physical signs of sexual abuse on a victim, with the exception of very young children/infants.
You or your physician may notice, or a child may complain of:
+ Bruising of the soft or hard palate if the child was forced to perform fellatio.
+ Redness, bruising, swelling, or tearing of genitalia or anus.
+ Trouble sitting or walking.
+ Yeast infection, bleeding, urinary tract infection, sexually transmitted disease, or rash.
+ Pregnancy.
Physical signs in older children:
If the sexual abuse is causing anxiety for the victim, they may begin to complain of headaches and/or stomach aches. These symptoms are often overlooked, and a child may be thought to be faking or pretending, or it may be considered a chronic ailment.
BEHAVIORAL/EMOTIONAL
+ Fear of being left alone or around a specific person, or gender (i.e. young children that fear men).
+ Demanding extreme privacy while changing, bathing, etc. Doesn't want people to see their bodies. May wear extra clothing.
+ Talking about or using sexual terms that are beyond their age.
+ Cruelty to animals.
+ Sexual aggression toward younger or smaller children.
+ Inappropriate or sexual behavior:
Exposing private parts
Acting out sexually on other people or with objects.
May draw or play with dolls acting out sexual behavior.
+ Masturbating multiple times per day and/or engaging in thrusting motions while masturbating.
+ Sexual promiscuity
CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR
+ Moodiness, withdrawal, acting out or becoming violent or destructive, running away, self abuse or making self-demeaning remarks.
+ Acting 'too perfect' - doing everything they're told without question.
+ Very attached and /or obedient to a specific person.
+ Nightmares, bed-wetting that wasn't an issue before.
+ Self-soothing methods, such as thumbsucking.
+ Eating disorders - overeating or bulimia/anorexia.
+ Change in school grades - studying/focusing more than usual or neglecting classwork/skipping school.
+ Alcohol and/or drug abuse.