Recognizing Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse of a child is when a parent or caregiver commits a sexual offense against a child or allows a sexual offense to be committed, such as rape, sodomy, engaging a child in - or promoting a child's - sexual performance.

Sexual abuse can range from non-touching offenses such as exhibitionism, to fondling, intercourse, or use of a child in the production of pornographic materials.

Forms of sexual abuse

Touching offenses:

• Fondling
• Touching sexual organs
• Making a child touch an adult sexually
• Attempted or actual sexual intercourse
• Rape
• Beatings, as a part of sexual activities

Sexual exploitation:

• Child pornography
• Child prostitution
• Sex rings (this involves one or more adults who abuse children in small groups
• Ritualistic abuse (sexual abuse as part of a ceremony)

Recognizing sexual abuse
Symptoms of sexual abuse may include physical and behavioral signs, as well as indirect comments made by the child. There are several clues to look for when considering the possibility of child sexual abuse.

Physical indicators of child sexual abuse:

• Difficulty in walking or sitting
• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
• Pain or itching in genital area
• Bruises or bleeding in genital, vaginal, or anal area
• Venereal disease, especially in pre-teens
• Pregnancy

Behavioral indicators of sexual abuse:

• Unwillingness to change for or participate in gym class
• Sudden, unusual difficulty with toilet habits
• Withdrawn, fantastic, or infantile behavior
• Bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge
• Poor peer relationships
• Reports sexual assault

Reacting to sexual abuse
Children rarely lie about sexual abuse. If a child confesses sexual abuse to you:

• Believe the child.
• Praise the child for telling you.
• Reassure the child that he or she is not to blame.
• Show respect for the child.
• Express your love for and confidence in the child.

Reporting sexual abuse
If the abuse was by a someone in the child’s family or household, make a report to the child abuse hotline at the New York State Child Abuse and Maltreatment Reporting Center. The number is 1-800-342-3720. If you are a mandated reporter, call the hotline at 1-800-635-1522. They will notify the local Child Protective Services (CPS), who will investigate and take needed action to protect the child.

If the abuse was by someone outside of the family and household, report to the local or state police or sheriff’s department.

Help is available
If you or someone you know needs help, the Prevention Information Resource Center and Parent Helpline is available throughout New York State, 24 hours a day, in English and Spanish. Someone will listen to your concerns and give you information about programs and services that support parents and children.

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