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 nonmenstruating girl
Difficulty with bowel or bladder control
Sexually transmitted diseases
Alcohol or drug abuse
Attempted suicide
– Michael E. Phillips
Copyright © 1989 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.
