SLTWC: Child Sexual Abuse Indicators

CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE INDICATORS

Learn more about Women's Center services for survivors of child sexual abuse.

Below are some common signs and behaviors that may indicate child sexual abuse - though the presence of one or more of these signs is not an absolute indication.

In Young Children

Regression, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking

Incontinence

Sudden development of behavioral problems and violence

Fears of being alone with a particular adult (or gender)

Seductive behavior toward adults

Precocious sexual activity with age-mates (such as oral sex)

Excessive masturbation

Severe nightmares

Complaints of visceral pain

Fear of disrobing

Hyperactivity

Sexual Knowledge

In Adolescents / Teens

Promiscuity

Depression

Suicide attempts (especially when pregnant)

Drug and alcohol abuse

Sophisticated dress and mannerisms

Absenteeism from school (e.g., father continually writes excuses)

Hesitancy to return home after school

Curtailed contact with peers

Drop in academic performance

Reluctance to participate in sports/shower at school

Poor hygiene and inattention to dress

Fear or physical examinations

Eating disorders

Delinquency

Numerous runaways with inexplicable basis

Child has history of numerous molests

Child refuses to name the father when pregnant

Physical Signs

Complaints of painful bowel movements

Bruising about anus, vagina, penis

Painful for child to sit

Rectal or vaginal bleeding

Blood or semen stains on clothing/smelly discharge

STDs affecting anus, mouth, genital areas

Medical exams may reveal dilation of vagina or anus

Scarification

Condition of hymen

General signs of physical abuse

Pregnancy

Urinary tract infections

Soft palate damage in infants

HEALTHY SEXUALITY IN CHILDREN
Sexuality is a part of every human regardless of age. Below is a partial list of healthy sexual behaviors in children:

Preschool

(0-5 years)

Common: Sexual language relating to differences in body parts, bathroom talk, pregnancy and birth. Showing and looking at private body parts.

Uncommon: Discussion of sexual acts. Contact experiences with other children.

School Age

(6-12 years)

Common: Questions about menstruation, pregnancy, sexual behavior. “Experimenting” with same-age children, including kissing, fondling, exhibitionism, and role-playing. Masturbation at home or in private places.

Uncommon: Use of sexual words and discussing sexual acts.

Adolescence

(13-16 years)

Common: Questions about decision-making, social relationships, and sexual customs. Masturbation in private. Experimenting between adolescents of the same age, including open-mouth kissing, fondling, and body rubbing. Also, voyeuristic behaviors. Sexual intercourse occurs in approximately one third of this group.