Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse

Often a child who is being sexually abused may have been convinced or threatened to not tell anyone. Because of this a child's first statements about abuse may be vague and incomplete. He may just hint at the problem. The following behavioral changes may signal sexual abuse:

• Noticeable fear of a person or a certain place;
• Unusual or unexpected response from the child when asked if she was touched by someone;
• Unreasonable fear of a physical exam;
• Drawings that show sexual acts ;
• Abrupt changes in behavior, such as bedwetting or losing control of her bowels;
• Sudden awareness of genitals and sexual acts and words;
• Attempting to get other children to perform sexual acts.

Adapted from Bright Futures in Practice, Mental Health; American Academy of Pediatrics. April, 1995. Child Sexual Abuse: What It Is and How to Prevent It: Guidelines for Parents. Elk Grove Village, Illinois: American Academy of Pediatrics.