Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is suffered by approximately 30% of females and 20% of males. The general characteristics of sexual abuse are often similar to those of PTSD (see PTSD) and include anxiety, loss of appetite or increased appetite (eating disorders), sleep disturbances (insomnia, nightmares), somatic complaints, feelings of guilt or personal responsibility, intrusive, distressing recollections (thoughts, images), flashbacks, feeling or acting as if the event were recurring, physiological reactions, depression, isolation, dissociation, insomnia, angry outbursts or irritability, problems at school and/or work, legal problems, poor concentration, increased startle response.


Indicators of Sexual Abuse in Children

Social scientists have listed indicators that can be observed in sexually assaulted children. The presence of one to a few of these indicators does not mean sexual assault has taken place. Circumstances causing any of these indicators may have nothing whatsoever to do with sexual abuse. However, if several indicators are seen together, a possibility of sexual abuse exists.

I recommend using these indicators as clues to help keep us on guard for a widespread problem.

Indicators among toddlers and preschoolers

Fear of specific adults

Sudden withdrawal and regression

Eating disturbances, such as choking and gagging

Complaints of pain when going to the bathroom

Nightmares having sexual details

Sexual "acting-out" behavior with other children

Sexual drawings

Sudden and continual blinking and squinting

The insertion of objects into the rectum or vagina

Becoming frantic when diapers are changed or genitals are washed

Sudden fears of certain areas of the house (common for all types of abuse)

Sudden need for continual cleanliness; frequent baths

Unreasonable fear of particular babysitters or neighbors

Increase in masturbation movements

Indicators among older children

Many of the preschool indicators apply in this group as well, but in addition are these:

Refusal to undress under normal circumstances such as physical education classes or bedtime

Avoidance of physical contact

Regressive behavior, such as bedwetting or sucking the thumb

Extremely poor personal hygiene

Evidence of self-mutilation (cuts, sores, cigarette burns, etc.)

Good behavior to the point of obsession

Running away from home

Refusal to eat foods that have been favorites (a reminder of something put into their mouth)

Frequent unprovoked anger, such as mutilating toys

Setting themselves up for punishment

Panicking or flinching when being tucked in at night

Obsession with predictability (e.g., a meal cannot be one minute late)

Continually falling asleep during the day

Seductive behavior

Fire setting

Cruelty to smaller children and animals

Common medical indicators

Frequent sore throats; difficulty swallowing or choking

Sudden weight gain or extreme weight loss

Frequent headaches, stomachaches, or exaggeration of every minor complaint

Trauma to breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen, thighs, genitals, or rectal area

Soreness, bleeding, or discharges from a non-menstruating girl

Difficulty with bowel or bladder control

Sexually transmitted diseases

Alcohol or drug abuse

Attempted suicide

Michael E. Phillips, Leadership Magazine 1989

Long-term Effects for Adult Sexual Abuse Survivors

Depression, isolation, feeling flawed ("damaged goods"), low self-esteem, negative self-concept, heightened anxiety, problems with interpersonal relationships, sexual maladjustment and dysfunction, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and attempts, sexual promiscuity, somatic complaints, self-mutilation, dissociation, disturbed spirituality (Finkelhor, 1990; Hunter, 1990; Tharinger, 1990).

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