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Catholic Diocese of
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Recognize the Signs and Symptoms
of Sexual Abuse

Particular behaviors can alert parents/guardians, teachers, and others to the possibility that a child has been molested. Often children are too frightened or ashamed to disclose the abuse are worried about what will happen to them and their family if the offender lives with them.

The National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect list the following signs:

>  extreme changes in behavior, such as loss of appetite
>  recurrent nightmares or disturbed sleep patterns and fear of the dark
>  regression to more infantile behavior, such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, or excessive crying
>  torn or stained underclothing, vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals, or vaginal
    discharge
>  vaginal infections or venereal disease
>  unusual interest in or knowledge of sexual matters, expressing affection in ways inappropriate for a
    child of that age
>  fear of a person or an intense dislike at being left somewhere or with someone
>  other behavioral signals include aggressive or disruptive behavior, withdrawal, running away, or
    delinquent behavior, failing in school

Know What to Do if a Child has been Abused Sexually