Indicators of SA

Sexual Abuse including Physical and Behavioral Indicators

 Physical indicators:

§  Fatigue due to sleep disturbances

§  Sudden weight change

§  Self-mutilation, that is, cuts or sores made by the victim on his/her own body

§  Recurring physical complaints that are without physiological basis, e.g., abdominal pains, headache, nausea

§  Difficulty in walking or sitting

§  Unusual or excessive itching in the genital or anal area due to infection(s)

§  Torn, stained or bloody underwear

§  Sexually transmitted disease(s)

§  Pregnancy

§  Injuries such as bruising, swelling, sores, infection to the mouth and/or areas around the genitals and/or anus

Behavioral indicators in a younger child:

§  Sad, cries often, unduly anxious

§  Short attention span

§  Inserts objects into the vagina or rectum

§  Change or loss of appetite

§  Sleep disturbances, nightmares

§  Excessively dependent

§  Fear of home or a specific place

§  Excessive fear of men or women

§  Lacks trust in others

§  Age-inappropriate sexual play with toys, self, others, e.g., replication of explicit sexual acts

§  Age-inappropriate, sexually explicit drawings and/or descriptions

§  Bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge

§  Reverts to bedwetting/soiling

§  Dramatic behavioral changes, such as sudden non-participation in activities

§  Poor peer relationships

§  Poor self-image

§  Overall poor self-care

Behavioral indicators in an older child:

§  Sudden lack of interest in friends or activities

§  Fearful or startled response to touching

§  Overwhelming interest in sexual activities

§  Hostility toward authority figures

§  Fire setting

§  Need for constant companionship

§  Regressive communication patterns, e.g., speaking childishly

§  Academic difficulties or performance in school suddenly deteriorates

§  Difficulties performing usual work responsibilities

§  Lack of interest in work and/or routine activities

§  Truancy and/or running away from home

§  Wears protective clothing or wears layers of clothing to hide bruises, e.g., keeps jacket on in class or in warm weather

§  Recurrent physical complaints that are without physiological basis, e.g., abdominal pains, headache, nausea

§  Lacks trust in others

§  Unable to “have fun” with others

§  Suicide attempts

§  Drug/alcohol misuse

§  Poor personal hygiene

§  Sexual acting out in a variety of ways, including promiscuity

Sources

Oregon Department of Human Services

     www.oregon.gov/DHS/spwpd/abuse/signs.shtml

British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development

    www.safekidsbc.ca/sexual.htm

Anti-Violence Project  

www.massgov/?pagelD=dppcterminal&L=Recognizing+Abuse+%26+Neglect&L2=What+is+Abuse+%26+Neglect%3F&sid=ldppc&b=terminalcontent&f=recognizing_indicators_finacial_abuse&csid+ldppc

Coalition for children

http://www.safechild.org/childabuse3.htm

Used by permission: Institute on Disabilities, Temple University, College of Education