Recognizing Child Sexual Abuse

Recognizing Child Sexual Abuse

Recognizing abuse is the first step toward prevention and early intervention. It requires the ability to recognize warning signs and symptoms that children show when they’re experiencing abuse and neglect. This becomes even more important when you consider that most instances of maltreatment are never observed or disclosed by victims. The longer child abuse takes place undetected, the greater the risk of negative long-term consequences. It is vital that the adults responsible for children’s safety are able to detect abuse and intervene appropriately.

When it comes to child sexual abuse, physical indicators include pain or irritation to the genital area, difficulty walking or sitting, vaginal or penile discharge, and difficulty with urination. Some children contract sexually transmitted diseases through abuse. In addition, children who are sexually abused may exhibit behavioral changes based on their age.