How can you tell if a child is being (or has been) sexually abused?
Children who have been sexually abused may display a range of emotional and behavioral reactions, many of which are characteristic of children who have experienced other types of trauma. These reactions include:
■ An increase in nightmares and/or other sleeping difficulties
■ Withdrawn behavior
■ Angry outbursts
■ Anxiety
■ Depression
■ Not wanting to be left alone with a particular individual(s)
■ Sexual knowledge, language, and/or behaviors that are inappropriate for the child’s age.