Child Sexual Abuse

Physical effects of sexual abuse on victims include:

1. Actual injuries directly attributable to abuse, including genital bruising or wounds and sexually transmitted diseases.


2. Unwanted pregnancies

Because of these effects, victims will show signs, or indicators, of abuse that include:

1. Bruises or hickeys on face, neck, groin, or buttocks.


2. Bowel and bladder problems, trauma to oral, genital, and/or anal areas.


3. Indirect conditions related to emotional turmoil, including headaches and stomach aches.


4. Sleep disturbances, including regressive bed wetting, nightmares, an inability to fall asleep, or an inability to stay awake during the day.


5. Dramatic changes in weight and in eating habits, including loss of appetite, overeating, bulimia, and anorexia.

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