Signs Of Sexual Abuse In An Infant

According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, sexual abuse in children is rarely a one-time event--it may last anywhere from one day to many years. While the average age of a sexually abused child is seven or eight, child abuse can, and sometimes does, start in infancy. Although an infant may not have the words to tell a parent or caretaker when she is the victim of sexual abuse, that doesn't mean there aren't signs.

Physical Pain

A sexually abused infant may exhibit pain when sitting or standing. An infant who cries or shows obvious discomfort when sitting or standing may have experienced injury to the genitals or rectum.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The presence of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) may indicate infant sexual abuse. Look for white, yellow or greenish genital discharge, blisters or sores in the genital area--or pain when the child urinates. STDs are not always a sign of abuse, however. It is possible for a child to get chlamydia, for example, from its mother during childbirth. Cases of perinatal chlamydia may last three years or more.

Physical Injuries

Injury around the genital, rectum or mouth area may indicate child sexual abuse. The National Children's Advocacy Center says you should look for cuts, bruises or swelling around the genitals and anus--or blood on your child's clothing or in the diaper.

Changes in Appetite

A sexually abused infant may lose interest in food, or may have sudden and unexplained episodes of gagging or throwing up food. While this is a common condition in all infants at times, food disturbances may indicate the infant is under emotional distress.

Fear

When an infant expresses fear of a particular location, it may indicate that something disturbing occurred there. A child who suddenly resists getting into the bathtub or going to daycare, for example, may be trying to tell you something. A sexually abused infant may also show a sudden and unexplained fear of males or females, especially someone who may resemble his abuser.

Personality Changes

Sudden and unexplained changes in personality or temperament may indicate sexual abuse. According to Katherine B. Hagans and Joyce Case in the book, "When Your Child Has Been Molested: A Parent's Guide to Healing and Recovery," you should suspect a problem if a normally happy or noisy child suddenly becomes fussy or withdrawn--or if the child appears unusually aggressive with a favorite toy or pet.

Infections

An infant who develops a urinary tract or yeast infection may be showing signs of abuse. Look for pain during urination or fever to signal a urinary tract infection. Itching, white discharge or an odor coming from the genital area may indicate a yeast infection. It's important to note that urinary tract and yeast infections are not necessarily signs of sexual abuse--both of these infections can occur normally in infants.