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.
