Indicators of sexual abuse in children
Mostly when children are sexually abused, they may not speak up because of their low comprehension of the crime that is being committed against them and as a result of other factors such as threats, false promises…
Yet children may respond to sexual abuse in different ways including physically, child’s behavior, or emotions. Depending on who is the perpetrator of the crime is or how severe the abuse is, indications of abuse may be subtle signs, and some children might not show any signs at all.
Therefore it is important to look out and study children’s behavior widely to be able to spot any condition of abuse. It also doesn’t also mean that when a child begins to show some of the signs that it is as a result of abuse, it is good to consider the possibility of sexual abuse and pay sensitive attention.
Here are some indicators of sexual abuse in children; Changes in behavior such that the child
- Scared of going home or afraid of a particular relative or friend
- The child becomes quieter or more distant than usual showing signs of depression
- The child displays emotion by crying for obviously no reason
- Becomes aggressive or gets angry for no obvious reason
- Display difficulties in sleeping and starts having nightmares
- Has low self-esteem and is confused about his/her sexual identity
- Increased or inappropriate sexual behavior or use of sexually explicit language.
Some physical indicators of abuse include:
- Swelling or redness in the genital area
- Pain when using the toilet as a result of forced penetrations
- Displays difficulty walking or sitting
- Bruises on soft parts of their body, like buttocks or thighs
- Symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection, like discharge from the penis or vagina.
