Indicators of
Sexual Abuse
• sudden reluctance to go someplace or be with someone

• inappropriate displays of affection

• sexual acting out

• sudden use of sexual terms or new names for body parts

• uncomfortableness or rejection of typical family affection

• sleep problems, including: insomnia, nightmares, refusal to sleep alone or
suddenly insisting on a night light

• regressive behaviors, including: thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, infantile
behaviors or other signs of dependency

• extreme clinginess or other signs of fearfulness

• a sudden change in personality

• problems in school

• unwilling to participate in or change clothing for gym class at school

• runs away from home

• bizarre or unusual sophistication pertaining to sexual behavior or
knowledge, including sexual acting out

• reports sexual assault by parent or guardian

• aversion to a relative, neighbor, or babysitter

• change in eating patterns

• sudden lack of interest or achievement in school

• sudden desire for privacy or marked separation from family activities

• signs of increased anxiety or immature behavior

• irritation of the genital areas

• age inappropriate knowledge or interest in sexual matters

• running away or self destructive behavior.

(Note that these signs are not necessarily evidence of child sexual
abuse, and must be considered in conjunction with other factors.)

taken from: sccadvasa.org
The Child's Place is a
Child Advocacy
Center that is an
umbrella program of
Sexual Trauma &
Counseling Center.