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Know the warning signs for child sexual abuse, and learn how you can prevent abuse.

Warning Signs

We are often asked about the warning signs of child sexual abuse. Although we can talk about “indications,” we want to be clear that a simple list is only a beginning. Any unusual or sudden change in a child needs to be investigated and may be due to many reasons. If you notice that a child you know exhibits the behaviors on the following list, you may want to call us to learn what your next steps might be.*

*The information on this page is not meant to be substitute for a consultation with a counselor or psychotherapist.

Changes in personality

Change in personality that might include depression, anxiety, guilt, anger, or regressing to young behaviors like thumb sucking and baby talk.

Change in physical well being that might include bed wetting, eating problems, physical injuries, or rashes in genital areas.

Change in behavior that might include self-destructive acts, inappropriate sexual conduct, sudden outbreaks of rage or fear for no reason, nightmares, or drug or alcohol use.

Change in social behavior that might include inability to get along with friends, decreased school performance, delinquency or refusing to participate in activities they previously enjoyed.

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Change in personality that might include depression, anxiety, guilt, anger, or regressing to young behaviors like thumb sucking and baby talk.

Change in physical well being that might include bed wetting, eating problems, physical injuries, or rashes in genital areas.

Change in behavior that might include self-destructive acts, inappropriate sexual conduct, sudden outbreaks of rage or fear for no reason, nightmares, or drug or alcohol use.

Change in social behavior that might include inability to get along with friends, decreased school performance, delinquency or refusing to participate in activities they previously enjoyed.

Adult Survivors

Adults who were sexually abused as children may suffer long-term problems. They may or may not know why they experience the same difficulties over and over again.*

*The information on this page is not meant to be substitute for a consultation with a counselor or psychotherapist.

Adults who were abused as children may display symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder including flashbacks, bad dreams, intense distress, avoidance, memory loss, social and emotional detachment, hopelessness, numbing, insomnia, anger, difficulty concentrating, self-blame, suicidal thoughts, feelings of mistrust, and physical reactions to reminders of the event.

Adult survivors are much more likely than non-survivors to develop depression, They often feel anxious or intense anger and irritability due to self-blame, humiliation, lack of protection, or feeling unprotected. They fear people will not believe them, they may fear the abuser will retaliate, or they fear people will look at them differently. Over time this fear may result in debilitating panic attacks or paranoia.

They may have a distorted sense of self and the world around them that results in lack of trust, self-blame, and low self esteem. They may be unable to trust their own feelings, perceptions and judgments.

The effects of child sexual abuse on later sexuality are thought to contribute to the high incidence of sexual abuse found among adolescent and adult prostitutes. These individuals often feel a lack of ownership regarding their own bodies.

If emotional distress is not expressed in a healthy way, an adult survivor may develop unhealthy strategies to cope with the memories and feelings. These may take the form of substance abuse, self-mutilation, dissociation, and eating disorders. Suicide attempts are much higher in adult survivors than in the rest of the population.

Child sexual abuse if very damaging because the abuse occurs when the children are developing their identity. Early childhood trauma can lead to difficulty relating to and understanding others and to an inability to regulate reactions to stressful events. Because survivors have trouble identifying their own needs and emotions, they may be unable to set boundaries to protect themselves and are often re-victimized or exploited and often identify themselves as victims.

Online Resources

For more information on recognizing the symptoms of child sexual abuse we suggest the following websites:

Downloadable PDFs

Prevention Tips: English & Spanish
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