Signs Of Sexual Abuse In Children

Emotional Or Behavioral Signs Of Sexual Abuse

Victims of child sexual abuse are more likely to exhibit changes in their behavior or emotions than show physical signs of abuse. Common behavioral signs of child sexual abuse include the following:

• Change in eating habits
• Mood or personality changes
• Low self-esteem or self-image
• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Anxiety or depression
• Hesitancy to be left alone with a certain individual or to be away from a primary caregiver
• Decreased interest in school, activities and/or friends
• Changes in mentality that promote self-harming behaviors
• Exhibits runaway behaviors
• Regressive behaviors (e.g., thumb sucking, bedwetting)
• Excessive discussion of sexual topics
• Excessive knowledge of sexual topics
• Overly compliant behavior
• Avoids physical contact with others
• Avoids changing clothes, dressing or bathing

Signs of sexual abuse in girls may vary from the warning signs of sexual abuse in boys. Each child responds to sexual abuse differently. So, it is important to look for changes in physical and mental health in any young individual.

Additionally, signs of sexual abuse in teenagers may be different from signs of abuse seen in toddlers or young children. 

For example, a teenage victim of sexual abuse may be more likely to self-harm or exhibit risky sexual behavior than a younger victim.

Physical Signs Of Child Sexual Abuse

Depending on the circumstances of the abuse, some victims may show physical symptoms. However, physical signs may be easily hidden or may go unnoticed by caregivers.

Sexual abuse victims may exhibit the following physical warning signs of abuse:

• Bruising, bleeding, swelling or scabs around the mouth, genitals or anus
• Pain, itching or burning in the genital region
• Frequent pain during urination or bowel movements
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Unexplained health problems (headaches or stomach aches)
• Abnormal vaginal or penile discharge
• Pregnancy

Not all victims of sexual abuse will experience these physical signs. Victims of sexual abuse are more likely to display behavioral signs of abuse.

Signs An Adult May Be Abusing A Child

Many adult predators cultivate relationships with their victims prior to committing sexual abuse. This is a process known as grooming.

Through the grooming process, an adult often isolates a child victim and builds an emotional relationship with the child. The trust built through this newly formed relationship allows an abuser to manipulate the victim to take part in sexual acts.  

You may be able to spot signs of child sexual abuse by identifying red flag grooming behaviors in an adult.

91% of child sexual abuse victims know their abuser. Thus, it is important to observe the relationships and behaviors of children and the adults in their lives.

Responding To Signs Of Sexual Abuse In Children

Studies show the majority of child sexual abuse victims will not disclose their abuse during childhood. Thus, many cases of childhood sexual abuse go unreported. 

Being vigilant and reporting suspected sexual abuse could save a child from further abuse or a life-threatening situation.

Parents, guardians and voluntary reporters (e.g., friends, neighbors, community members) should always look for signs of abuse in children. Any sudden changes in behavior may be a sign that something is amiss.