Signs & Symptoms
of the Sexually Abused Child
Please Note..
These Signs & Symptoms could be indicators of other kinds of abuse or distress that the child may be experiencing & may not necessarily point towards Sexual Abuse.
 Some of these same signs & symptoms could also be an indicator of some type of medical issue.

This is not an all-inclusive list.

Do Not Panic.  Just be Aware of the Possibility.  Be Alert by getting educated on this topic.

It is OUR responsibility as THE ADULTS to look for & notice Signs & Symptoms of the Sexually Abused Child.
The Signs & Symptoms...
PLEASE NOTE:

Disclosure by Child...
Possible, but not likely.  Sexual Abusers of children know how to silence children.  Continue to scroll down for more information.

Physical Evidence...
Not common for a couple of reasons...
1)  Unless a child is brutally raped, there may not be enough evidence or the evidence that is there is dismissed as possibly being caused by something else...
undetermined cause.
2)  Children's are so resilient and their bodies heal so quickly.  What evidence may be there will not be there for long, in most cases.

THE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

  • Gradual and/or sudden changes in behavior (Isolation, Withdrawal, Fearfulness, Agitation, Excessive Crying, Depression)

  • Aggressive/Disruptive Behavior

  • Cruelty to Others/Cruelty to Pets

  • Change or loss of appetite

  • Recurring nightmares; Disturbed sleep patterns, Fear of the dark

  • Regression to more of an Infantile Behavior (Bed Wetting, Thumb Sucking, Excessive Crying)

  • Torn or stained underclothing

  • Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals, vaginal discharge or an STD

  • Unusual interest in and/or knowledge of sexual matters; Expressing affection in ways that are inappropriate for a child of that age

  • Sexual Acting Out (With Other Children, Adults, Pets, Toys)

  • Excessive Masturbation

  • Happened or Happening to a "Friend"

  • Fear of a certain person or an intense dislike of being left somewhere or with someone

  • Difficulty walking or sitting

  • Wearing many layers of clothing

  • Afraid to be left alone

  • Excessive daydreaming

  • Difficulty learning in school

  • Appears to be Hyperactive (Diagnosed as ADD/ADHD)

  • Unable to go to the bathroom or Refuses to go when a certain person is around

  • Other behavioral signals (Running Away, Delinquent Behavior, Self Harm, Sexually Promiscuous)

  • Suicide Attempts and/or Suicide
Observing A Child At Play...
Watch & Listen! You may be surprised at what you can learn by
observing a child during playtime.  This is applicable primarily
with younger children that still play with toys.  This is why so
many therapist use Play Therapy when dealing with younger
children.

* Vivid Imagination versus Truth *
Why Most Children Will More Than Likely Not Tell...
  • Fear (Being Threatened & Manipulated)

  • Love and/or Know the Person Abusing Them

  • Shame

  • Guilt

  • Lack of Understanding

  • Confusion

  • Blame Themselves

  • Have been taught to respect Adults (Authority Figures)

  • Don’t want to Upset a Loved One

  • To protect a loved one from Abuse (i.e. Brother or Sister)

  • Don’t Think Anyone will Believe Them (That's what they are being told)

  • Afraid of what a loved one might do to their Abuser

  • They told someone once & was not believed and/or protected

        * NOBODY TALKS ABOUT THIS KIND OF THING *
                                                                                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                                            For many children who do tell, they are either not believed and/or not   
                                                           protected.  Unfortunately, this in turn has the potential to shut down a
                                                           child about their abuse for a long time, if not permanently.  Why would
                                                                  that child ever tell again?  Something to think about Adults!
How Do Sexual Abusers Silence Children...
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January 2012

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of SpeakingOut News,
please visit our Home Page.
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Mission Statement
& Contribution Form
By knowing all the reasons Why Most Children Will More Than Likely Not Tell Anyone.  Sexual Predators
(Child Molesters & Pedophiles alike) are likely to use some or all of the following methods...

  • Dominance
  • Intimidation
  • Manipulation
  • Threats
  • Instilling Fear

  • Gain Child's Trust and/or Love
  • Playing on Emotional Needs of Child
  • Displaying Affection & Care
  • Offering Gifts
  • Playing Games & Being Fun

  • Brainwashing (aka Mind Control)
  • Etc...
The lack of
decision-making
skills, knowledge and
abilities of a Child
(meaning Birth to 17
Years of Age) is what
Sexual Predators
take full advantage of.
Read / Print Brochure
(PDF Format)

What Every Parent
Should Know