1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men report they were sexually abused as children. 90% of sexual abusers are people who have a trusting relationship with the child victim.
Overly interested in children, preferring to spend free time interacting with children or teens
Involved in children’s activities, such as sports, youth groups, teaching, and babysitting
Finds ways to be alone with a child or teen (babysitting, car rides, special outings)
Frequent physical contact with a child or teen, such as tickling, wrestling, and sitting on lap
Ignores a child’s or teen’s verbal or physical cues that he/she doesn’t want physical contact
Gives a child or teen gifts or money for no particular occasion
Frequently views pornography or visits pornography establishments
Discusses or asks child or teen to discuss sexual experiences or feelings
Unwilling/afraid to be left with a particular person, and reluctant to discuss time with person
Change in child’s behavior when particular person is present
Use of new words to describe genitalia or sexual behavior
Chronic masturbation or acting out sexual scenarios with dolls, toys, or friends
Self-harming behaviors, such as abuse of alcohol or drugs, promiscuity, and cutting
Physical signs, including, headaches, stomach pain, change in appetite or eating disorders, “bathroom accidents,” sleeping difficulty, trouble sitting or walking, urination pain, unexplained injuries around mouth, and irritation, bleeding or infection of genitalia