Sexual Abuse Signs
Sexual abuse signs must be assessed in combinations; no one sign is enough to indicate that abuse has or is taking place.
I cannot give you guidance about how many signs should be present to warrant suspicion, because every case is different. If you have suspicions, report them.IMPORTANT NOTE: In Canada, if a person has suspicions or actual knowledge of child abuse because he/she has either seen abuse occur or has been told abuse occurred, that person must report the abuse under the duty to report law. Failure to report could lead to charges and fines.
Sexual Abuse Signs:Physical signs:
 physical trauma such as redness, rashes, and/or bleeding to oral, genital and/or anal areas
bruises on breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen, thighs, genital and/or rectal areas complaints of pain or itching in genital or anal areas difficulty walking or sitting unusual or offensive body odours difficulty in bladder or bowel control constipation pain or discomfort on urination blood in urine abnormal dilation of vaginal or rectal openings foreign bodies in vaginal, rectal or urethral openings sexually transmitted diseases found vaginally, rectally or orally yeast or bacterial infections frequent sore throats; difficulty swallowing; choking ear infections/problems (see Ear infections as a sign of sexual abuse? at Ask Darlene on this site for the reason why this can be a sign) sudden weight gain or extreme weight loss severe psychosomatic complaints such as stomachaches and headaches
Behavioural signs:
sexualized behaviour that is inappropriate for the child's age
promiscuous behaviour see also emotional abuse signs on this site for a comprehensive list.
The truth about our childhood is stored up in our body and although we repress it, we can never alter it. Our intellect can be deceived, our feelings manipulated. our perceptions confused and our body tricked with medication. But someday the body will present its bill, for it is as incorruptible as a child who, still whole in spirit, will accept no compromises or excuses, and it will not stop tormenting us until we stop evading the truth.Miller, 1986 1 |
Sexual Abuse pages on this site:
More child abuse signs pages on this site:
Child abuse information pages on this site:
References Sexual Abuse Signs 1 Miller, A. (1986). Society's betrayal of the child: Thou shalt not be aware. Scarborough: The New American Library of Canada.
Back to Child Abuse Effects Homepage
| Page last updated May 29, 2008 |
|
