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INDICATORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE
Below is a list of some of the most common indicators of child
sexual abuse. It is important to remember that many of these
indicators do not automatically reflect sexual abuse. Many of
the emotional indicators reveal an emotional stress that the
child is experiencing.
Behavior:
- Dresses provocatively, wears clothing or make-up that
is
inappropriate for the age of the child
- Appears withdrawn or engages in fantasy or
infantile behavior
- Has poor peer relationships
- Is unwilling to participate in physical activities
- Engages in delinquent acts or runs away
- States s/he has been sexually assaulted by
parent/caretaker
- Inappropriate sexual touch, behavior or body language
- Frequent absences and/or late arrival at school or
arrival and staying late
- Abrupt change in personality or behavior
- Depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Wearing many layers of clothing inappropriate to
weather
- Unwilling to dress out for gym
- Avoidance of bathrooms
- Is withdrawn or acting out during school personal
safety programs
- Suicide attempts
- Self destructive or mutilating behavior
Appearance:
- Has torn, stained or bloody clothing
- Experiences pain or itching in the genital area
- Has bruises or bleeding in the external genitals,
vaginal or anal regions
- Has a venereal disease
- Has swollen or red cervix, vulva, perineum,
penis or anus
- Has semen around mouth or genitals or on clothing
- Is pregnant
Caretaker's Behavior:
- Extremely protective or jealous of child
- Encourages child to engage in prostitution
or sexual acts
- Is experiencing marital difficulties
- Misuses alcohol or other drugs
- Is frequently absent from the home
- Responds negatively to personal safety
information presented in school
Remember, not all of these indicate that sexual abuse
has occurred.
If, in your best judgment, you suspect that a child has been
or is being abused, it is your obligation to report to the
Office of Children’s Services.
WHEN A CHILD
DISCLOSES SEXUAL ABUSE TO YOU...
Following are some suggestions on how to
respond if a child discloses sexual abuse to you:
- Find a private and comfortable place to talk with the
child.
- Do not panic or express shock; remain
calm and stay focused on the child.
- Express your belief that the child is telling the truth.
- Use the child’s vocabulary.
- Reassure the child that it is good to tell.
- Reassure the child that it is not her/his fault,
that she/he is not bad.
- Determine the child’s immediate need for safety.
- Let the child know that you will do your best
to protect and support her/him.
- Let the child know what you will do.
- Don’t make promises you can’t keep.
- Report to the proper authorities.
If a child discloses, acknowledge the
child’s disclosure. At a safe and appropriate time, find a
place where you can talk to the child alone.
Remember, your role is not to investigate the situation. It
is your responsibility to report the abuse to OCS (Office of
Children’s Services), set in motion the process of getting help
for the child, and be supportive of the child.
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Getting Help
Rape victims can be male, female, young or old. If you have been raped and are hurting emotionally you do not need to be alone. We can help you thru a variety of
services.