How to Tell if Your Child Has Been Sexually Abused
Children who may be too frightened to talk about sexual abuse may exhibit physical or behavioral signals:
- Reports sexual activity
- Exhibits sexual behaviors or knowledge inappropriate for the child's age, such as simulated sexual activity with dolls or younger children
- Recurrent nightmares or disturbed sleep patterns and fear of the dark
- Fear of strange men / women and/or strange situations
- Bed wetting
- Lack of appetite
- Behavioral changes such as withdrawal, aggression, failing in school, running away, or destructive activities
- Torn, stained, or bloody clothing
- Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals, or vaginal discharge
- Unprovoked crying spells
- Fear of playing alone
- Taking an excessive number of baths