Possible Symptoms of Sexual Abuse
- gradual or sudden change in behaviour: isolation, becoming introverted, withdrawal, fearfulness, agitation, excessive crying, depression
- aggressive/disruptive behavior
- cruelty to others/cruelty to pets
- recurring nightmares; disturbed sleep patterns, fear of the dark
- regression to more of an infantile behaviour (bed wetting, thumb sucking, excessive crying)
- unusual interest in and/or knowledge of sexual matters
- expressing affection in ways that are inappropriate for a child of that age, sexual acting out/inappropriate sexual play (with self, other children, adults, pets, toys)
- fear of a certain person or an intense dislike of being left somewhere or with someone, trying to avoid a familiar adult
- unhealthy/odd attachment to a specific person
- loss of or lack of interest in friends, school, sports, other activities
- difficulty learning in school/inability to concentrate/short attention span/may appear to have a learning disorder/appears to be hyperactive (may even be diagnosed as ADD / ADHD), sudden change in school performance
- extreme and/or unexplained anger, delinquent behavior
- low self-worth
- self-destructive behaviour/self-harm/self-mutilation (cutting, burning)
- seductive/promiscuous behaviour
- eating disorders, addictions (drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography)
- anxiety
- lack of trust in self & others
- difficulty forming relationships/poor peer relationships/avoidance of relationships
- signs of PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- suicidal thoughts/attempts and/or suicide