Child Sexual Abuse

Question 1

Immediate Physical Indicators of child sexual abuse

Answer 1

Pain or Itching in the genital area
Bruises or bleeding in the genitalia or anal region
Swelling or inflamed vulva, cervix or perineum
Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
Semen around genitalia, clothing, or mouth

Question 2

Ongoing Physical Indicators of child sexual abuse

Answer 2

Continuing injuries to genitalia or rectum
Urinary infections
STD’s
AIDS
Chronic stomachaches
Chronic bowel complaints
Eating disorders
Pregnancy

Question 3

Emotional Indicators of child sexual abuse

Answer 3

Depression
Guilt/shame
Low self-esteem
Panic states
Social withdrawal
Phobias
Vague physical complaints
Hysteria

Question 4

Interpersonal Indicators of child sexual abuse

Answer 4

Pseudomaturity or regressive immaturity
Aggressiveness or excessive compliance
Poor relations with peers
Either clinging or hypervigilance to being touched

Question 5

Cognitive/perceptual indicators of child sexual abuse

Answer 5

Detailed knowledge about sex
Nightmares
Inability to concentrate at school or work
Learning delays and disabilities
Hallucinations
Recurrent illusions

Question 6

Behavioural Indicators of child sexual abuse

Answer 6

Excessive or inappropriate masturbation
Exhibitionistic behaviour, prostitution
Sexual abuse of other children, promiscuity
Suicide gestures, withdrawal or hyperactivity
Running away, bedwetting or soiling
Lying and stealing, delinquency
Excessive bathing, age-inappropriate thumb sucking
Self mutilation
Setting fires