REASONS FOR CONCERN

As you talk with your child and create a strong channel of communication, you may hear or see things that cause you to have reasons for concern regarding their safety. This may include your child acting out or displaying overly sexualized behaviors, but understand that it is common under the circumstances. Watch the video below to learn more about the signs of child sexual abuse.

If you see any of the behaviors below or have any other concerns about your child’s behavior, get help right away. For suggested professional advocacy and therapy resources in your area, visit the Respond section.

Excessive or coercive sexual behaviors - These behaviors, especially in school-aged children who display other behavioral problems, may indicate sexual abuse or other life stressors that need to be addressed professionally.
Age gaps – Likewise, sexual experimentation between children with age gaps greater than four years is a warning sign of some deeper problem that should be addressed professionally.
Developmentally inappropriate knowledge – It is rare for young children, especially preschoolers, to display knowledge of oral sex or the mechanics of sexual intercourse. It is cause for concern if your child demonstrates age-inappropriate knowledge verbally or by their actions. It may indicate sexual abuse or exposure to pornographic materials.

Although some sexual behavior is normal for children, there are behaviors that may indicate something has happened.

Feelings of stress or fear when danger is not present – According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people who have Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) “...may feel stressed or frightened even when they’re no longer in danger.” They go on to state: “PTSD develops after a terrifying ordeal that involved physical harm or the threat of physical harm. The person who develops PTSD may have been the one who was harmed, the harm may have happened to a loved one, or the person may have witnessed a harmful event that happened to loved ones or strangers.” The U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs, a leading source of information on the disorder for the general public, notes that the latest edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5) “...introduced a preschool subtype of PTSD for children ages six years and younger,” and includes diagnosis criteria for “delayed expression and a dissociative subtype of PTSD.”

The Child Behavior Checklist includes behaviors and emotions that children who have been traumatized by sexual abuse may exhibit. As you go through this list, consider not only if you have noticed any of these changes, but also any specific examples you can think of. Keep this document with other important materials, so that when you and your child work with a counselor or advocate, you can use these examples to help explain the changes you have observed. Your observations and careful attention to your child can help them in the healing process.

REASONS FOR CONCERN

Although some sexual behavior is normal for children, there are behaviors that may indicate something has happened.

In Crisis?