INDICATORS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

Introduction:

Indicators may be the only sign that a child is being sexually abused. Indicators of child sexual abuse may be physical, behavioural or both. Singly and more often in combination they can alert us to the possibility of sexual abuse and the need for further investigation. They are not evidence of its actual occurrence as some of these indicators could be related to other kinds of problems in a child’s life.

Child sexual abuse manifests itself in a number of ways – physically, behaviourally and socially. An awareness of the indicators of child sexual abuse enables facilitators to provide a sensitive response to children who may be victims of child sexual abuse.

Physical Indicators:

• Bruises, scratches, bite marks or other injuries not consistent with accidental injury

• Itching, soreness, discharge or unexplained bleeding

• Painful and frequent infections

• Difficulty walking or sitting with unexplained pain in the genital region

• Persistent headaches or recurrent stomach aches

Behavioural Indicators:

• Over attention to adults of a particular sex

• Displaying unusual interest in genitals

• Acting out sexualised behaviour eg. With dolls

• Open displays of sexuality eg. Masturbation

• Knowledge of sexual matters

• Promiscuity, repetitious sexualised behaviour

• Sudden changes in mood or behaviour

• Difficulty sleeping, nightmares

• Change in eating patterns including preoccupation with food

• Lack of trust in familiar adults, fear of strangers, fear of men / women

• Regressed behaviour, bed wetting, separation anxiety, insecurity

• Lack of appropriate role boundaries in family eg. Child fulfils parental role

• Acting out behaviour, aggression, lying, stealing, unexplained running away, drug / alcohol abuse and suicidal talk / attempt

• Withdrawn behaviour eg. Passivity, mood swings, depression or excessive compliancy

• Learning problems at school, loss of concentration, unexplained drop in school performance

• Poor peer relationships, family and/or child appear socially isolated

• Reluctance to undress eg. School sports

• Excessive bathing

• Inappropriate displays of affection eg. Father appears loverlike with child rather than parentlike.

(Human Services, Young Earth Pty. Ltd. 1999

Some Do's and Don'ts for Speaking with a Child Who Has Been Sexually Abused.

It may be hard to know where to begin talking with your child.  What is best said and what is best left alone?  Possibly the most important message to get across to your child either through words or actions is that you do not blame them for the abuse.