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WARNING SIGNS THAT AN ADULT MAY HAVE SEXUALLY ABUSED YOUR CHILD

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Oftentimes children do not admit they have been sexually abused. Therefore, it is imperative that parents, family members and friends be aware of the following behaviors of an adult:

  • failing to give the child privacy

  • abnormal interest in child or teenager sexual development

  • walking in on the child while they are changing clothes or in the bathroom

  • offering to babysit a lot or watch the child overnight

  • giving the child expensive gifts or money

  • insisting on alone time with the child

  • telling a child they are “special” or their “favorite” and treating them differently from other children

  • offering to babysit a lot or watch the child overnight

  • unusual interest in a particular child forcing physical affection on a child such as kissing, hugging, or play wrestling when it is clear the child is uncomfortable

SIGNS OF MOLESTATION AT 2-9 YEARS OF AGE:

  • regressive behaviors such as bed wetting

  • fear of certain people, places or things

  • not wanting to eat or changes in appetite

  • trouble sleeping or having nightmares

  • feeling shameful or guilty

  • withdrawing from loved ones

  • sexualized behaviors

  • victimizing others

WARNING SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE BY AGE:

 

SIGNS OF MOLESTATION AT 0-3 YEARS OF AGE:

  • crying more than usual

  • change in sleeping patterns

  • change in feeding patterns

  • failure to thrive

  • fear

SIGNS OF MOLESTATION IN ADOLESCENTS 9+:

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  • depressive mood

  • academic decline

  • trouble sleeping or having nightmares

  • aggression

  • drug and alcohol abuse

  • sexualized behaviors

  • change in appetite

  • early pregnancy

  • suicidal thoughts and behaviors

  • running away from home

​​PHYSICAL WARNING SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE:

 Physical signs of sexual abuse are not always present. However, if you notice any of the following signs, seek medical attention immediately:

  • bleeding, discharge or pain in mouth, genitals or anus

  • STDs

  • pain during urination or bowel movements

  • urinating or defecating involuntarily

  • signs of difficulty walking, sitting or standing

  • injuries to themselves such as cutting, burning or suicide attempts

OTHER EMOTIONAL, BEHAVIORAL, PSYCHOSOCIAL INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN CHILDREN:

  • aggressive sexual behavior

  • starting fires

  • acting  clingy

  • animal cruelty

  • withdrawing or isolating oneself

  • poor communication skills

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