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Sexual Abuse Definition
Sexual exploitation of
a child, including rape, incest, fondling, exhibitionism, or pornography
Symptoms, or indications
of abuse, vary greatly from child to child (or on an individual basis --
or in each individual case). Possibly only one, or a few, or none of these
symptoms (or indicators) will be readily apparent in a child who IS being
abused.
Absence of any or all of
these indicators does NOT mean that a child is NOT being abused. If you
suspect there is a problem, do NOT try to diagnose or determine the extent
of the problem on your own; please contact a professional immediately.
Physical Indicator
-
torn, stained or bloody underclothing
-
pain swelling or itching in
genital area
-
difficulty walking or sitting
-
bruises or bleeding in genital
area
-
venereal disease
-
frequent urinary or yeast infections
Behavioral Indicator
-
withdrawal, chronic depression
-
excessive seductiveness
-
role reversal, overly concerned
for siblings
-
poor self esteem, self devaluation,
lack of confidence
-
peer problems, lack of involvement
-
massive weight change
-
suicide attempts (especially
adolescent)
-
hysteria, lack of emotional
control
-
inappropriate sex play or premature
understanding of sex
-
threatened by physical contact,
closeness
-
unwilling to change clothes
in front of anyone
-
exhibits fantasy or baby-like
behavior
-
frequent nightmares
-
high level of unexplained anxiety
Author Unknown
*Disclaimer*
Remember these are just indicators and
to do not validate that abuse has occurred. Check with a physician and
mental health professional.
Emotional
Abuse Next Page
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