Parenthood Magazine has compiled an informative list of common warning signs that a child has been or is being sexually abused. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says that certain professionals such as social workers, teachers, health care workers and childcare providers have a mandatory obligation to report to law enforcement when these signs converge and they suspect abuse.
Physical Signs
According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mothers Against Sexual Abuse and STOP IT NOW!, physical signs of sexual abuse in a child might include complaints of stomach troubles with no apparent cause, loss of appetite including difficulty swallowing, and nightmares. Kathy Smedley, Program Director for the Northeast Texas Children's Advocacy Center, says that the nightmares may include night sweats, shaking or screaming aloud. She also cites eating problems, such as gagging, and pain when the child is using the bathroom. An older child may begin wetting the bed again. In severe cases, you may see anal or vaginal bruising, according to ProtectKids. Both Parenthood Magazine and Smedley advise being alert for cuts and burns that might indicate a teenager is harming herself in a reaction to sexual abuse.
Behavioral Signs
Behavioral signs are often measured by their intensity, according to Parenthood Magazine. A sudden and extreme fear of the dark or abrupt mood swings can be signs of sexual abuse. Watch for a newly-developed fear of a place or person, a tendency to layer many items of clothing when dressing, and excessive crying. Sexually abused youngsters may begin to engage in masturbation or mimic sex acts with toys, dolls or other children, according to both Smedley and Parenthood Magazine. Smedley says that children may become suddenly aggressive or hostile to playmates, siblings or pets. They may experience panic attacks, which can involve flashbacks to an incident of abuse, or revert to habits of babyhood when they once felt safe.
Verbal Changes
Parenthood Magazine says that abused children may suddenly come up with new names for their genitals or make reference to a new adult friend. Alternatively, they may become more reluctant to talk about or make reference to a caretaker, or they may indicate that they share a secret with the caretaker that they're not willing to divulge.
Signs in Caregivers
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services advises that not only children exhibit signs when sexual abuse is occurring. The behavior of caregivers should be observed as well, if you have suspicions. Some signs in adults may be a cause for concern if they occur concurrently with signs in the child. Signs may include unreasonable possessiveness of the child; for example, the caregiver may limit the child's play time with other children and interactions with other adults.
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