Child sexual abuse (CSA) includes sexual contact, exposure to explicit content, or any act that sexualizes a child. CSA can have life-long consequences on a child’s mental and emotional development.
Every nine minutes, child protection authorities respond to a report of sexual abuse. In 93% of cases, the perpetrator is someone the child knows.⁴ ⁵
Physical Warning Signs
- STIs or genital infections
- Trauma to the genital area (bleeding, bruising, bloodstained clothing)
Behavioral Changes
- Talking about sexual topics beyond their age
- Fear of being alone with certain people
- Regression (e.g., bedwetting, thumb-sucking)
- Reluctance to change clothes or bathe
- Increased time alone or social withdrawal
- Secretive or overly compliant behavior
- Inappropriate sexual behavior for their age
Emotional Changes
- Mood swings, aggression, or fear
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Nightmares or difficulty sleeping alone
- Drop in self-confidence
- Psychosomatic complaints (e.g., stomach aches, headaches)
- Loss of interest in school or friends
- Self-harming behaviors
Identifying a Potential Perpetrator
Many perpetrators are adults in trusted roles—family members, teachers, coaches. Red flags include:
- Ignoring physical or emotional boundaries
- Giving gifts for no reason
- Isolating a child from others
- Excessive time alone with the child
- Inappropriate conversations or sexual comments
What Adults Can Do
- Trust your gut if someone or something seems “off”
- Listen and believe children if they express discomfort
- Document and report suspected abuse
- Seek help from a local sexual assault service provider
“The guilt and shame were deafening—but I knew I had to do what was necessary for my daughter.” – Lisa, mother of a CSA survivor
Sources
¹ Cantor, D., Fisher, B., Chibnall, S., Townsend, R., et al. (2020). AAU Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct
² U.S. DOJ, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Crime Victimization Survey (2010–2016)
³ U.S. DOJ, Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement (2000); Sex Offenses and Offenders (1997)
⁴ U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Child Maltreatment 2017
⁵ U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, Sexual Assault of Young Children as Reported to Law Enforcement (2000)
⁶ Black, M.C. et al. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2010 Summary Report, CDC (2011)