SIGNS
Physical indicators of sexual abuse may include:
- Physical complaints of pain or irritation of the genital area.
- Appearance of sexually transmitted disease(s).
- Frequent, unexplained sore throats, yeast or urinary
tract infections.
- Nightmares, bedwetting, fear of dark,
difficulty falling asleep, new fears.
Behavioural indicators of sexual abuse may include:
- Excessive masturbation in young children.
- Inappropriate physical or verbal displays of
sexual terms or acts in young children.
- Depression, anxiety, suicidal gestures.
- Reluctance or fear of a person or of certain places,
such as showers and washrooms.
- Clinging, anxious, irritable behaviour.
- Regression to babyish habits, such as thumbsucking.
- Sudden interest in genitals of others, sexual acts, and
terminology.
- Sexual Drawings
- Acting out sexual or abusive behaviour with toys
- Any dramatic change in behaviour; for example, a
child becoming more disobedient, or
withdrawing from usual activities.
- Frequent psychosomatic complaints,
such as headaches, backaches, stomach aches.
- Withdrawal from friends, family members and/or normal
activities.
- Avoidance of undressing or wearing of extra layers of
clothing.
- Avoidance of normal physical interaction with family
member such as hugs or kisses.
- Avoidance of certain familiar adults or places.
- Decline in school grades or participation in after school
activities.
- Excessive bathing
- Discipline problems.
- Delinquent acts or self-harming
- Low self-esteem.
- Hostility or aggression.
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- Drug or alcohol problems.
Because most children cannot or do not tell about being
sexually abused, it is up to adults to recognise
signs of abuse. Physical evidence of sexual abuse is rare.
Therefore, we must look for behaviour signs.
Unfortunately, there is no one behaviour alone that
determines if a child has been sexually abused. The
above are general behaviour changes, and some physical
signs that may occur in children who have
been sexually abused.
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IMPACT
Factors affecting the impact of child sexual abuse:
- Age of victim - the older the victim,
the more likely they are to experience serious
consequences.
- Gender of paedophile - children victimised by
males are more likely to experience serious
reactions.
- Use of physical force - if physical force is used on the
child, the after effects may be more
severe.
- Frequency of abuse - the more often the sexual abuse
occurs, the greater the likelihood of
severe after effects.
- Duration of abuse - abuse that occurs over greater
spans of time will be more likely to result in
severe reactions.
- Severity of the abuse - more serious sexual behaviour
is more likely to result in serious after
effects.
- Relationship of paedophile to victim - the closer the
relationship, the greater the likelihood of
severe reactions.
There has been very little written about treatment beyond the
initial crisis intervention stage. There has
been no research validating one treatment approach over
another. Sexual abuse prevention involves
teaching children concepts and skills believed to be useful
in preventing or escaping their own sexual
victimisation.
PREVENTION IS THE BEST CURE
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M.A.K.O.