Indicators of Child Abuse

If you suspect that a child has been abused, you should contact CHILDLINE (1-800-932-0313) immediately. Reports may be made anonymously; the name of the person reporting the abuse will not be released.


Behavioral indicators of child sexual abuse include, but are not limited to
 

  • Sexually aggressive behavior with others
  • Detailed and overly sophisticated understanding of sexual behavior
  • Sexual themes in child's artwork, stories or plays
  • Regressive behavior; sudden onset of soiling and wetting
  • Withdrawal into fantasy worlds
  • Sleep disturbances and nightmares
  • Changes in appetite
  • Anxiety, depression, phobias, obsession
  • Overly compliant behavior
  • Acting like a parent or spouse
  • Delinquent or aggressive behavior
  • Poor or deteriorating relationships with peers
  • Deterioration in school performance
  • Truancy/running away
  • Prostitution
  • Suicidal feelings