Indicators of Sexual Abuse:          

Visible signs of physical injury

·         torn, stained or bloody underwear

·         difficulty walking or sitting

·         bruising or blood in or near genital area

·         pain, swelling or itching in genital area

Sudden change in behavior

·         decreased appetite, chronic stomach aches, vomiting

·         irritability, withdrawal, nightmares, bed-wetting

·         unusual aggressiveness

•      reluctance or refusal to be with a certain person or in a certain place

·         fear that something is wrong with genital area

Inappropriate sexualized behavior

·         excessive interest or knowledge of sexual acts or language

·         acting out sexual behaviors

·         persistent sexual play, even after being told to stop

·         excessive interest in private body parts, unable to be distracted 

The absence of symptoms of sexual abuse does not mean that a child is not being abused.  It is possible for a child that is being abused to show no apparent signs.  Sexual abuse in any form causes long lasting emotional and psychological damage that can be devastating to a child and family. 

While it is our sincere hope that you will never be faced with a sexual abuse situation, we strongly advocate learning the steps for responding to disclosure; a time when a child tells about a possible sexual abuse encounter.