Symptoms of sexual abuse
A child with symptoms of recent sexual abuse may be reluctant to go to the bathroom; show signs
of discomfort or pain while sitting, urinating, or passing stools; have discharge from the vagina or penis; or bleed through
his or her pants.
Certain behaviors may also indicate sexual abuse. These include: 1
- Age-inappropriate awareness and knowledge of sex or sexual behavior.
- Running away from home.
- Suicide attempts.
- Involvement with drugs or prostitution.
Note:
Sexual abuse is very different from normal sexual play between children. Sexual abuse is a criminal activity. It includes
any sexual activity that the child is not able to understand or consent to. This may include, but is not limited to, obvious
sexual acts (such as intercourse), fondling, exhibitionism, voyeurism, and exposure to pornography.
Sexual play involves preadolescent children within 4 years of age of each other, who have similar developmental levels.
No force, power, or coercion is used, and the play is primarily touching and looking at genitalia, driven by an innocent curiosity.
Signs of sexual abuse in children
Signs of the sexual abuse of a child are not likely to be noticed without an examination of the genital area. These signs
include:
- Bruises, scars, chafing, or bite marks in the genital area.
- Discharge from the vagina or penis.
- Rectal or genital bleeding.
- Anal tears or dilation.
- Symptoms of a developing sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, genital herpes, hepatitis
B, trichomoniasis, or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
Sexual abuse may not be detected with a physical exam, especially if enough time has lapsed to allow tissue to heal. Also,
some types of sexual abuse, such as fondling or oral contact, usually do not leave any physical signs.
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Credits
Author Amy Fackler, MA Editor Renée Spengler, RN, BSN Associate Editor Lila Havens Associate Editor Lisa Shaw Primary Medical
Reviewer Michael J. Sexton, MD
- Pediatrics Specialist Medical Reviewer Charles F. Johnson, MD
- Pediatrics/Child Abuse
Last Updated February 17, 2005
