Warning signs/symptoms of sexual abuse 
guidelines, courtesy of Donna Rice Hughes, established by mental health and law enforcement officials, are useful in assessing sexual disturbance among children.
Sexual Preoccupation Children who have been harmed by viewing pornography may be excessively curious about or overly preoccupied with sexuality. Some children expose their genitals to others or engage in a sudden, unusually high level of masturbation. Age-Inappropriate Sexualized Behavior Some children may display sexual knowledge and behavior beyond that which is appropriate for their age. According to the American Psychiatric Press, this is one of the few reliable and distinguishing characteristics that identify sexually abused children. Very young children may enact adult sexual scenarios and behaviors in their play with other children or with their dolls and stuffed animals. Age-Inappropriate Partners Having learned the message that sexual overtures are acceptable ways to get attention and rewards, children may enter into unhealthy relationships, particularly with older, age-inappropriate partners. Additionally, believing the myth generated by pornography that their bodies are for the use of others, young girls may become promiscuous. Children preoccupied with sex may attempt to engage younger children in sexual behavior because younger and smaller children are easier to manipulate and often more cooperative. Coercion Aggressive attempts to undress, sexually touch, or attempt intercourse with others are not uncommon among sexually preoccupied children. When a tendency toward secretive play combines with intense sexual preoccupation, a child may be vulnerable to repeating his or her abuse with other children in ways that can create chaos and further victimization. Such a child requires extensive parental supervision and therapeutic help. Reminder of the week: If you suspect that your child may have been the victim of child sexual abuse, try to remain calm, but seek professional help immediately. Call the Child Help National Hotline at 1-800-422-4453 and visit childhelp.org and Mothers Against Sexual Abuse. |
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