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.
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.
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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:
| Sexual Abuse | Sexual Abuse Victims |
| Sexual Abuse Definition | Male Victims |
| Sex Abuse Signs | Female Victims |
| Sexual Abuse Effects | Victims with Disability |
| Sexual Abuse Statistics | Sexual Abuse Disclosures |
More child abuse signs pages on this site:
| Physical Abuse Signs | Emotional Child Abuse Signs |
| Child Neglect Signs | Sexual Abuse Signs |
Child abuse information pages on this site:
References
Sexual Abuse Signs
NOTE: Information pages on this site were based on material from the 
Canadian Red Cross RespectED Training Program. Written permission was obtained to use their copyrighted material on this site.
1 Miller, A. (1986). Society's betrayal of the child: Thou shalt not be aware. Scarborough: The New American Library of Canada.