****There are rarely ever physical signs of sexual abuse... we must look at behavioral changes in our children. These are only general behavioral changes that may occur in abused children. This does not mean that if your child(ren) exhibits one or two of these signs that he/she is or has been abused, but if he/she starts to exhibit several of these behavioral changes then you should have it checked out.****
* Your child withdraws from family, friends, or his/her usual activities.
* Suddenly your child starts wetting the bed.
* Your child starts to act more infantile or suddenly appears to be regressing.
* Your child suddenly develops fears and phobias of things he/she has always been used to.
* Your child suddenly shows reluctance to be left alone or to go somewhere with a particular person.
* You notice a sudden change in your child's hygiene habits.
* You or the teacher recognize a significant change in your child's school performance.
* Your child suddenly shows signs of self-destructiveness, overly aggressive behavior, depression or low self-esteem.
* Your child shows signs of anxiety, headaches, sleep disturbances, or eating disorders.
* Your child suddenly starts displaying sexual knowledge that is inappropriate for one his/her age through words, actions, or in play.
* Physical signs or complaints that indicate you should bring to them to the attention of your Pediatrician and/or seek other medical attention even if only as a safeguard.
** You notice your child mirroring adult sexual behavior, persistent sexual touching and feeling of their bodies, with other children or toys.
** Your child complains of sore or swollen genital areas.
** Your child complains of unexplainable pain during urination or bowel movements.
** Your child has bleeding, irritation or discharge of the mouth, anal area or genitals.
** Your child shows signs of a sexually transmitted disease, urinary infections.
**** Please note - there are many other signs that are not listed here and that these signs in and of themselves do not provide conclusive evidence that your child has been or is being sexually abused. However, if you begin to notice that your child is displaying several of these signs they should be carefully examined, not ignored, and brought to the attention of your child's pediatrician for the sake of your child's safety, health and well-being. Often children who have been subjected to frequent sexual abuse have more specific symptoms, some of which are listed above, and marked with a double "*".****