Signs of sexual abuse
Any sudden or abrupt changes in the child's behavior could be an indication that requires your attention. These are not necessarily or exclusively indications of sexual abuse, but a sign that something is happening and you need to respond.
Psychological and emotional signs:
- They look insecure.
- They have outbursts of anger.
- They engage in self-destructive behavior (cutting, burning, or other acts that cause harm, head banging, self-harming, use of alcohol).
- They feel anxiety and panic.
- They are depressed.
- They have suicidal ideas.
- They have eating disorders, changes in eating habits (eating too slowly or too fast).
- They use substances.
- They have difficulty focusing their attention, show loss of interest, decreased participation in activities that used to interest and make them happy.
- They have problematic relations with peers.
- They fear men.
- They have low self-esteem.
- They feel or are isolated.
- They feel stigmatized and ashamed.
- They have problems with their sexual identity.
