| 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.
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.
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:
Disclosure by Child...
Possible, but not likely. Sexual Abusers of children know how to silence children. Continue to
scroll down for more information.
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 *
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 Children Don't 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 Sexual Abusers Silence Children...
By knowing all the reasons we just mentioned above and…
- Manipulation
- Threats
- Intimidation
- Affection
- Gifts
- Brainwashing
- Etc…
| The lack of decision-making skills, knowledge and abilities of a "Child” is what Sexual Predators of Children take advantage of. |
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