There are many signs that can be looked for when a child has been sexually abused. Warning signs such as fearfulness or anxiety around people or in crowded places are two noticeable signs. You should be aware of low self-esteem in the child. They may emotionally shut down at times, but at other times, they may burst out into tears. Bad dreams and a withdrawal from society are also very prevalent behaviors in a child who has suffered sexual abuse.
They could also have some physical signs that may be very painful. Some of the those signs can be the same with adults that have been sexually abused. Some other signs with adults are alcohol and drug abuse, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts or attempts. The emotional distress may also manifest itself into eating disorders or body shame. Many who have suffered sexual abuse are not able to trust others very well, especially those that remind them of the abuser.
Children might shut down and not talk about their abuse directly, but many people have found that if they can get a child who has been abused to draw a picture, or tell them a story using dolls, a lot of what they have to draw or say is often related to their abuse. For older children and adults, it may be very hard. Seeing a professional counselor where they can talk about what happened to them has in many cases been very successful. Instead of carrying it inside and being sick emotionally, mentally, and physically, they can express how they really feel. They can learn that they are no longer a victim of sexual abuse, they are a survivor.
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