Physical signs
Physical signs of sexual abuse are rare but may include:
- STDs
- Vaginal infections
- Vaginal discharge
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cuts or tears around the vaginal area
- Other physical trauma (redness, rash, swelling) to genital or anal area
- If you see physical signs of abuse, have your child examined by a professional immediately, or call the police.
Behavorial and emotional signs
Behavioral signs or changes are more common and can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances including nightmares or night terrors
- Change in eating habits
- Unusual fear of certain people or places; reluctance to be alone with a certain person
- Changes in mood that could including anger, aggressiveness towards parents, siblings, friends, pets
- Rebellion or withdrawal
- Change in attitude towards school or academic performance
- Unexplained or frequent health problems like headaches or stomachaches
- Self mutilation or change in body perception like thinking of self or body as dirty or bad
- Regression to previously outgrown behaviors, for example bedwetting or thumb sucking
- Abnormal sexual behaviors or knowledge of advanced sexual language and behaviors
- Too "perfect" behavior
|
