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Child sexual abuse

Physical and Behavioural Signs

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SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

  • Injury to the genital or rectal area (for example bruising, bleeding, discharge, inflammation or infection)

  • Injury to areas of the body such as breasts, buttocks or upper thighs

  • Discomfort in urinating or defecating

  • Presence of foreign bodies in the vagina or rectum

  • Sexually-transmitted diseases

  • Frequent urinary tract infections

  • Pregnancy, especially in very young adolescents

  • Anxiety-related illnesses (for example anorexia or bulimia)

BEHAVIOURAL SIGNS OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE

  • Anxiety-related illnesses (for example anorexia or bulimia)

  • Persistent and age-inappropriate sexual activity (for example excessive masturbation or rubbing genitals against adults)

  • Drawings or descriptions in stories that are sexually explicit and not age-appropriate

  • Fear of home, specific places, or particular adults

  • Poor or deteriorating relationships with adults and peers

  • Poor self-care or personal hygiene

  • Complaining of headaches, stomach pains or nausea without physiological basis

  • Sleeping difficulties

  • Regressive behaviour (for example bed-wetting or speech loss)

  • Depression, self-harm, drug or alcohol abuse, or attempted suicide

  • Sudden decline in academic performance, poor memory or concentration

  • Engaging in sex work or sexual risk-taking behaviour

  • Wearing layers of clothing to hide injuries and bruises.