Signs of Sexual Abuse! Here are some signs to look for that may indicate your child is being sexually abused. Physical Signs may include: Hematomas (localized swelling filled with blood) Lacerations Irritation, pain, or injury to the genital area Vaginal or penile discharge Difficulty with urination Pregnancy Venereal disease in a young child Nightmares Behavioral Signs may include: One child's being treated by a parent in a significantly different way from the other children in the family Arriving early at school and leaving late Nervous, aggressive, hostile, or disruptive toward adults, especially toward the parents Running Away Use of alcohol or drugs Sexual self-consciousness, provocativeness, vulnerability to sexual approaches Sexual promiscuity that is "the talk of the town" Withdrawal from social relationships An appearance of mental retardation Regressive behavior such as acting childishly, crying excessively, sucking the thumb, withdrawing into fantasy worlds Acting out of aggressions, sometimes including petty thefts, giving trinkets to other children to form friendships, stealing merchandise or money Poor peer relationships inability to make friends Comments may include: He/she fooled around with me. My mother's boyfriend does things to me when she's not there. I don't like to be alone with my father. I'm afraid to go home tonight. Will you help me go live with my aunt? Monday's Child was Cruelly Beat, Tuesday's Child had Zero to Eat, Wednesday's Child was Badly Burned, Thursday's Child's Scars have Returned, Friday's Child was Forced into Bed, Saturday's Child has More Tears to Shed, But the Child Abused on Sabbath Day has Nightmares which Simply won't Go Away! By: Margulies/Rothco   This background snatched from my ole pal Brandy   Compliments of the ToyMaker This page hosted by Get your own Free Home Page