Title: What Is Child Abuse?
Headings: The Issue of Child Abuse
The Issue of Child Abuse
Content: 20.7% of adults report being sexually abused as a child. Read More
Sexual abuse of children includes: Non-contact abuse
Making a child view a sex act
Making a child view or show sex organs
Inappropriate sexual talk
Contact abuse
Fondling and oral sex
Penetration
Making children perform a sex act
Exploitation
Child prostitution and child pornography
Signs of sexual abuse in parent or caregiver: Parent fails to supervise child
Unstable adult presence
Jealous/possessive parent
Sexual relationships troubled or dysfunctional
Parent relies on child for emotional support
Signs of sexual abuse in a child: Physical: Difficulty sitting, walking, bowel problems
Torn, stained, bloody undergarments
Bleeding, bruises, pain, swelling, itching of genital area
Frequent urinary tract infections or yeast infections
Any sexually transmitted disease or related symptoms
Behavioral: Doesn’t want to change clothes (e.g., for P.E.)
Withdrawn, depressed, anxious
Eating disorders, preoccupation with body
Aggression, delinquency, poor peer relationships
Poor self-image, poor self-care, lack of confidence
Sudden absenteeism, decline in school performance
Substance abuse, running away, recklessness, suicide attempts
Sleep disturbance, fear of bedtime, nightmares, bed wetting (at advanced age)
Sexual acting out, excessive masturbation
Unusual or repetitive soothing behaviors (hand-washing, pacing, rocking, etc.) Sexual behavior or knowledge that is advanced or unusual
Reports sexual abuse
Sexual abuse of children includes: Non-contact abuse
Making a child view a sex act
Making a child view or show sex organs
Inappropriate sexual talk
Contact abuse
Fondling and oral sex
Penetration
Making children perform a sex act
Exploitation
Child prostitution and child pornography
Signs of sexual abuse in parent or caregiver: Parent fails to supervise child
Unstable adult presence
Jealous/possessive parent
Sexual relationships troubled or dysfunctional
Parent relies on child for emotional support
Signs of sexual abuse in a child: