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Wearing more or less clothing than before Less interest in school, friends, or hobbiesįrequently being afraid or having nightmares Not wanting to change or take clothes offĬhanges in habits and behaviors, such as not eatingįrequent physical complaints, such as stomach aches Wanting to stay near a primary caregiver, while avoiding specific people Here are some warning signs of sexual abuse in young children:Įxcessive discussion of sexual topics or knowledge about sex However, certain signs - especially sudden changes in behavior - can point to something being wrong. They may not even understand abuse is happening. In general, children are more vulnerable than adults and may not know how to describe or report abuse. Warning signs of sexual abuse may show up differently in children. And children of any gender can be abused. Many children and teens experience sexual abuse, as well. But you can look for overall warning signs of an abusive relationship, including:ĭismissal of a partner’s concerning behavior In these cases, it may be difficult to detect signs of sexual abuse. An abuser may force or pressure sex upon a partner as a way to keep control. Sexual violence may be part of a wide pattern of abuse, particularly in an intimate relationship.
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Signs of sexual abuse in a romantic relationship Seeming fearful or withdrawn, particularly around a certain person Vaginal or anal bleeding with an unknown cause The following may be signs of sexual abuse in older adults:īruising in private areas, such as the breasts or genitals And, in some cases, their abusers are the people they rely on for support, making it difficult to ask for help. Older adults and people with disabilities are also vulnerable to sexual abuse. Injuries in genital, anal, or other intimate body areas Warning signs of sexual abuse in college-aged adults may include:ĭepression symptoms, such as sadness, withdrawal, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activitiesĬovering more or less of their bodies than was previously typicalĪvoiding specific situations, places, or people Signs of sexual abuse in young adultsĬollege students, including young women, may be at particular risk for sexual assault and abuse. But the signs of abuse sometimes differ depending on the age group and population. Signs of sexual abuse in adultsĪdults of all ages can be the targets of sexual abuse. And abuse happens at the hands of acquaintances, strangers, and people that victims are close to. Sexual assault or abuse can happen to anyone. Sexual assault is when someone forces or pressures sexual behavior on another person. You may hear terms such as sexual assault, rape, or sexual violence used more often when referring to adult sexual abuse. However, sexual abuse could also involve an adult:īut, as mentioned, adults can also be victims of sexual abuse. Well-known forms of child sexual abuse include physical contact and touching. It is most often used to describe a type of abuse against a minor, but may also refer to abuse of adults.Ĭhild sexual abuse includes any scenario in which an adult uses a child for sexual gratification. Sexual abuse is a broad term that refers to sexual violence. While signs alone don’t guarantee that someone is being abused, they can be a first step to reporting your concerns or finding help. If you suspect that someone is in danger because of abuse, you can begin by looking for common signs of sexual abuse. But sexual abuse affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can be hard to wrap your head around the possibility that someone you know is being sexually abused.