Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse

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

Body Image is Closey Linked to Self-Esteem

Negative body image often brings low self-esteem. They can change the way you understand your value and worth. Healthy body image and self-esteem are a big part of well-being.

 Negative body image may cause:

• Substance Abuse
  • Teens abuse drugs or substances to control their weight or might turn to drugs or substances as an attractive way to cope with body image issues.
• Depression
  • Almost 50% of people with eating disorders meet the clinical criteria for depression.
  • Changing adolescent bodies and overwhelming hormones may create depression and body image issues.
• Anxiety
  • Body image issues may cause social anxiety and cause individuals to obsess over what others think about their bodies.
• Eating Disorders
  • Teen males with body image issues may develop eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia as a coping method.
• Excessive Weight Lifting and Injury
  • Insecurities about body image may cause males to weight lift excessively, and incorrectly, risking injury. As well as engage in a variety of exercises that may turn into compulsions.
• Suicidal Thoughts
  • Body image issues contribute to a negative sense of self, and hopelessness. Those who thought they were overweight had more suicidal thoughts than those who didn’t.