 Sexual abuse is any misuse of a child for sexual pleasure or gratification. It has the potential to interfere with a child’s normal, healthy development, both emotionally and physically. Often, sexually victimized children experience severe emotional disturbances from their own feelings of guilt and shame, as well as the feelings which society imposes on them.  Sexual abuse includes sexual intercourse and/or its deviations. There behaviours may be the final acts in a worsening pattern of sexual abuse. For this reason and because of their devastating effects, exhibitionism, fondling and any other sexual contact with children are also considered sexually abusive.

 Indecent exposure/exhibitionism  Exposing children to pornographic material  Deliberately exposing a child to the act of sexual intercourse  Masturbation in front of a child

 Fondling  Making a child touch an adult’s sexual organs  Any penetration of a child’s vagina or anus by an object that doesn’t have a medical purpose

 Engaging a child for the purposes of prostitution  Using a child to film, photograph or model pornography

Younger childrenPrepuberty and teenageOlder childrenPhysical indicators Compulsive masturbationStealingSuicide attemptsBruises or bleeding in external genitalia Bed-wetting, soilingRunning awayEarly marriageComplains of pain or itching in genitalia Excessive curiosity about sexStarting firesRunning awayDifficulty in sitting or walking Altered sleep patternsExcessive bathingPregnancyTorn, stained or bloody underclothing Learning problemsBeing withdrawn and passiveSubstance abuseSexually transmitted diseases Separation anxietyGirls pulling up skirtsGetting in trouble with legal system Pregnancy, especially in early adolescence Overly compulsive behaviourSexual inference in school artwork Developing fears and phobiasTeaching others how to masturbate Sexual acting out with peersBecoming aggressive toward peers Becoming nonverbalSuccumbing to periods of deep depression Developing tension symptoms—stomach aches, skin disorders Falling grades Becoming seductiveAlcohol and drug abuse

 Short term:  Feelings of fear, shame, anger, guilt, anxiety or confusion  Nightmares of difficulty sleeping  Low self-esteem  Antisocial behaviour, including rebelliousness or running away  Increased hostility or aggression

 Long Term:  Anxiety  Low self-esteem  Depression  Thoughts of suicide  Difficulty in relationships because of poor social skills and inability to trust others, many who have been abused remain in the “victim” role, selecting “abusers” as partners  Distorted attitudes about sex resulting in inappropriate sexual adjustments. Some victims may become active sexually as a result of confusion or a need to “feel loved.” Others may have extreme difficulties in establishing a sexual relationship in marriage.  Difficulty providing proper parenting to their own children. They may become abusers of their own children.