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Identifying Symptoms of Sexual Abuse The below are physical and behavioral indicators of a victim of a sexual abuse/assault. Please realize these are only indicators and are not necessarily evidence of abuse. Physical Indicators: Difficulty in walking, sitting, coordination Genital or anal injury (swollen, bleeding) Urinating or defecating in clothing (inability to control) Venereal Disease Genital Pain and itching Change in neatness of appearance Gaining Weight (wearing loose-fitting clothes so as not to draw attention to the body) Compulsive masturbation Loss of appetite or sudden increase in appetite (and other more serious eating disorders such as anorexia) Altered sleep patterns (bedwetting, restlessness, nightmares, fear of sleeping alone, needing a night light, being tired in class) Newly acquired bodily complaints, especially stomach aches. Odor (is not taking care of personal hygiene) Behavioral and Attitude Indicators: Extreme shifts of emotions/moods Fears and phobias especially aimed at one person or location Suddenly turning against someone, such as a parent Restlessness Acting adult-like, inconsistent with age Acting childlike, regression Frequent absences from school Daydreaming, having learning problems Irritability, short tempered · Asking questions or having knowledge of terminology, inappropriate for age Expressing affection to adults in inappropriate ways Not willing to undress for PE at school Hostility and aggressiveness towards adults or overly trying to please adults Afraid to be alone with adults Isolation, withdrawal Few friends Parents don't allow child to stay overnight at friend's house Shying away from being touched Having low self esteem and self image Excessive curiosity about sexual matters Precocious sexual play Verbal descriptions of sexual misuse Click below to read: Statistics Related to Sexual Abuse