Physical Signs

Direct physical signs of sexual abuse are not common. However, when physical signs are present, they may include bruising, bleeding, redness and bumps, or scabs around the mouth, genital, or anus. Urinary tract infections, sexually transmitted diseases, and abnormal vaginal or penile discharge are also warning signs.

There are other indirect physical signs that include:

Persistent or recurring pain during urination or bowel movements
Wetting or soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training
Sexually transmitted diseases
Chronic stomach pain
Headaches

Emotional Signs

Emotional and behavioral signs or changes are more common and can include:

Anxiety and depression
Sleep disturbances, including nightmares or night terrors
Change in eating habits
Unusual fear of certain people or places; reluctance to be alone with a certain person
Changes in mood that could including anger, aggressiveness towards parents, siblings, friends, pets
Rebellion or withdrawal; runaway behavior
Change in attitude towards school or academic performance; lack of interest in friends, sports, or other activities
Unexplained or frequent health problems like headaches or stomach aches
Poor self-esteem; avoidance of relationships
Self-mutilation or change in body perception, like thinking of self or body as dirty or bad; suicidal thoughts
Regression to previously outgrown behaviors, for example bedwetting or thumb sucking
Abnormal sexual behaviors or knowledge of advanced sexual language and behaviors
Too “perfect” behavior or overly compliant behavior