Symptoms of an Abused Child

Archways Spring 2019

The following may indicate that a child has experienced abuse:

Fear of a certain person or place

• Sudden awareness of genitals and sexual acts and words
• Sexual promiscuity or behavior inappropriate for a child’s age
• Drawings that show sexual acts
• A reversion to bedwetting in a child who had outgrown it
• An unexplained drop in grades or self-esteem
• Self-harm or suicidal ideas
• Bruising, STDs, or other physical effects noticed by a pediatrician

These warning signs do not necessarily indicate sexual abuse, but should prompt a closer look.

Return to the PROTECTING CHILDREN article here.