HOW CAN I TELL IF MY CHILD IS BEING ABUSED?

Both behavioral and physical signs may provide clues that a child is being sexually abused. Keep in mind, however, that many of these changes can also occur at other times of stress or trauma in a child’s life, like a divorce or the death of a loved one or pet.

Behavioral warning signs:

• nightmares, fear of the dark, or other sleeping problems;
  
• extreme fear of “monsters;”
  
• loss of appetite, trouble eating or swallowing, or constant stomach aches and disturbances for no apparent reason;
  
• sudden mood swings, e.g., rage, fear, anger, or withdrawal, or spacing out at odd times;
  
• fear of certain people or places not formerly feared, or uncharacteristic behavior around a certain person, e.g., a talkative child becomes quiet and distant around a babysitter;
  
• regressive behavior, like a return to thumb sucking or bed-wetting;
  
• imitating sexual behavior with toys or other children;
  
• using new words for body parts;
  
• refusing to talk about a “secret” the child shares with an adult or older child;
  
• talking about a new, older friend;
  
• suddenly having money;
  
• cutting, burning, or hurting himself or herself as an adolescent.

Physical warning signs:

• unexplained bruises, redness, bleeding, or pain around a child’s genitalia, anus or mouth;
  
• sores or milky fluids in the genital area.