Parents and Carers
Sexual Abuse, information for parents
Sexual Abuse of your children
Signs of Abuse
One of the scariest considerations that a parent can have is that their child has been sexually abused. Although this is scary territory, as a parent it is essential that there is awareness of possible indicators of sexual abuse.
In young children you may see:
bleeding or bruising around the mouth, genital or anal area
UTIs or STDs
resistance to having normal hygiene practices performed
frequent crying and fussing
persistent pain during bowel movements or urination
In school age children you may see:
regressive behaviors e.g. bed wetting
new words for sexual body parts
sexual play that mimics adult experience
drawings of a frightening or sexual nature
wetting or soiling accidents in potty trained children
the appearance of sleeping difficulties e.g. nightmares
withdrawn behaviour
sudden and intense mood swings
new or intense fears of specific people/places
secretive behaviour involving adults/older children
unexplained money/gifts
indications they see their body as bad or dirty
In pre-adolescent/adolescent children, you may see:
drug/alcohol use
self-injury e.g. cutting
depression and/or anxiety
suicide attempts
sexual promiscuity
fear of intimacy
running away from home
eating disorders
Cayman Kids Helpline provides a safe space, and general guidance - this is not a substitute for clinical advice or treatment.
The Kids Helpline is proudly brought to you by the Alex Panton Foundation