Identifying signs of sexual abuse is crucial for protecting minors and vulnerable individuals and providing them with the support they need. In this brief outline, we share some of the more common signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of different forms of abuse, including sexual abuse. By familiarizing ourselves with these indicators, you may be able to take timely action and help survivors on their path to healing.
The physical signs of abuse
A child’s body will often reveal the signs of the type of abuse the child is suffering from.
Some of the physical signs of physical abuse include:
- Bruising and welts
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Cuts
- Bites
- Fading bruises after being away from school
The outward signs of neglect are not always so evident on a child’s body but in what the child lacks, including:
- Poor medical or dental care
- Not being immunized
- Not having glasses
- Being dirty
- Wearing dirty clothing
- Severe body odor
- No warm clothing in cold weather
Physical signs of sexual abuse are often hard to spot. Clothes hide bruising, and victims mask pain, and may hide a disease. The signs a child has been sexually abused can also come from the perpetrator or the victim, in the form of self-harm, the signs include:
- Vaginal or rectal bleeding
- Genital pain
- Itching, swelling, or discharge from a child’s private parts
- Rashes near a child’s private parts
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Painful urination
- Reoccurring complaints of stomachaches or headaches
- Trauma to breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen, or extremities
- Sexual diseases
- Pregnancy
- Trouble walking or sitting
- Self-mutilation in the forms of cuts or slashes
The physical signs of sexual abuse
Physical signs of sexual abuse are often hard to spot. Clothes hide bruising, and victims mask pain, and may hide a disease. The signs a child has been sexually abused can also come from the perpetrator or the victim, in the form of self-harm, the signs include:
- Vaginal or rectal bleeding
- Genital pain
- Itching, swelling, or discharge from a child’s private parts
- Rashes near a child’s private parts
- Difficulty with bowel movements
- Painful urination
- Reoccurring complaints of stomachaches or headaches
- Trauma to breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen, or extremities
- Sexual diseases
- Pregnancy
- Trouble walking or sitting
- Self-mutilation in the forms of cuts or slashes
Behavioral Signs of Abuse
Behavioral signs of physical abuse can include:
- Being frightened of parents
- Protesting or crying when it is time to go home
- Often being absent from school
- Shrinking at the approach of adults
Behavioral signs of neglect can include:
- Being frequently absent from school
- Begging or stealing food or money
- Abusing alcohol or other drugs
- Complaining about care at home
As important as these signs may be, it is essential to remember that bruises, cuts, and other signs may be signs of child abuse, but they are signs of other things too. None of these signs on their own proves a child is being abused. But identifying potential signs of child abuse should cause any adult to pay special attention to that child. When you see one sign, consider if you see or remember other signs that could mean the child is being abused.
Behavioral Signs of Sexual Abuse
The behavioral signs of SAM can sometimes be easier to identify than the physical signs. That said, many young victims of SAM may not know that the abuse is wrong, especially if the perpetrator has told them otherwise. Older victims may know that the sexual acts are wrong, but fear reporting the abuse due to threats from the perpetrator or because of the stigma attached to SAM.
There are many behavioral signs of SAM which can include:
- Extreme changes in behavior
- Eating disorders
- Withdrawal
- Aggressiveness
- Suddenly refusing to change for gym or participate in physical activities
- Sexual knowledge beyond their age
- Inappropriate sexual behavior
- Regression to infantile behavior
Conclusion
Though there can be many reasons other than physical, mental, or sexual abuse for any of the above, recognizing signs that may indicate sexual abuse is a critical step in protecting minors and vulnerable individuals and ensuring their well-being. The more vigilant and aware, the earlier abuse may be identified, and the sooner the intervention and necessary support can be provided.
Please contact us if you would like to learn how we help organizations incorporate watching for these signs in a comprehensive sexual abuse risk management system.
