Signs of abuse may vary depending on the victim. It’s especially important to detect signs of distress, discomfort, and possible sexual abuse in children as primary prevention or preventing abuse before it ever occurs proves to be the best way to save children and adults from the long-term effects of sexual violence.
According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), the US government responds to reports of sexual abuse every 9 minutes. Red flags in children, teens, and young adults may differ and overlap. For children, here are potential manifestations of abuse.
Physical signs:
- Difficulty sitting and walking;
- Bleeding, redness, or rashes in the genital area;
- Painful bowel;
- Frequent urinary tract infection (UTI);
- Frequent headaches or stomach aches;
- Bruises in the inner thighs and genitals or breasts;
- Unexplained anal or vaginal bleeding, irritation, or pain;
- Sexually transmitted disease (STD); and/or
- Pregnancy.
Behavioral and emotional signs:
- Regressive behavior or using old behaviors like bedwetting;
- Age-inappropriate sexual behavior;
- Excessive talk on sexual topics;
- Refusing to remove clothing or being left alone;
- Refusing to talk;
- Change in mood (increased aggression) and eating habits;
- Lost of interest in friends, hobbies, school;
- Self-harming ;
- Low self-confidence;
- Unexplained health problems like stomach upsets and headaches; or
- Nightmares.
- Signs of depression, like withdrawing from usual activities and persistent sadness;
- Eating problems, overeating or lack of appetite;
- Signs of physical abuse, like bruises;
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and/or other genital infections;
- Failing grades;
- Suicide ideation and suicidal behavior;
- Decrease in self-care and/or hygiene; or
- Alcohol or drug use.
- Signs of depression,
- Low self-confidence;
- Sexually transmitted infection (STIs);
- Sudden anxiety over things that didn’t trigger anxiety before;
- Avoidance of places and people;
- Withdrawal from usual activities;
- Failing grades; and/or
- Increased alcohol or drug use.
Physical and social indicators of abuse with the elderly:
- Recent difficult in walking or sitting;
- Bruises in the inner thighs and genitals or breasts;
- Torn or stained undergarments;
- Unexplained sexually transmitted disease or genital infections;
- Unexplained anal or vaginal bleeding, irritation, or pain;
- The elderly’s report of the abuse.
- Withdrawal from socialization;
- Agitation;
- Onset of panic attacks and other PTSD symptoms;
- Unusual conduct between the victim and abuser; and
- Suicide attempt.
Some of its long-term effects for all demographics include:
- Eating disorders;
- Sexual dysfunction;
- Depression;
- Suicide ideation;
- Stress and anxiety;
- Dissociation; and/or
- Interpersonal relationship problems.
Despite its grave nature, sexual violence has been a taboo for the longest time. The recent decades, however, showed a social and cultural shift in destigmatizing survivors and victims as seen in legislative changes. There has also been an increased social awareness thanks to the MeToo Movement and others.
While primary prevention remain as the best course to prevent an individual from ever being a victim of sexual violence, there are available treatments and emergency responses for those who have been abused. If you or anyone you know has been victimized, know that holding your abusers accountable is possible. Our attorneys here at America’s Consumer Lawyer are dedicated to bringing you justice, all you need to do is reach out.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at what we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put people first.
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