Certain child behaviors are clear indicators that sexual abuse has occurred because non-abused children generally do not act in these ways. These include:
- The child placing his or her mouth on a part of the sexual anatomy such as penis
- The child asking an adult or others to take part in a sexual activity
- Masturbating with an object
- Imitating movements involved in sexual activity
- Making sexual sounds
- French kissing
- Playing with dolls in sexually imitative ways
Other behaviors are indicators that sexual abuse may have occurred. These include:
- Nightmares or night terrors (waking up screaming and sweating)
- Bedwetting
- Excessive masturbation
- Use of adult sexual language
- Self-mutilation such as cutting
- Changes in eating habits such as loss of appetite or overeating and eating disorders
- Aggression towards other children or angry acting out towards adults
- Victimizing other children
- Changes in school performance
- Loss of interest in activities and hobbies
- Decline in social activities - not wanting to play and be with friends
- Inability to concentrate and focus
- Anger or disgust when views affection or sexuality
- Inability to remember time periods in life
- Inability to receive affection, pushing away hugs
- Addictions such as alcohol, drugs, food, or masturbation
- Compulsive behaviors, particularly showering, washing hands
- Hallucinations
- Verbal, physical, sexual abuse of other children
- Running away
- Early marriage