Know the signs: Sexual Abuse
Signs Sexual Predators may Exhibit
93% of victims under the age of 18 know the abuser. An adult who is sexually abusing a child may show the following signs:
- Is very protective of child or limits the child’s contact with others, especially those of the opposite sex
- Tend to keep to themselves
- Is jealous or controlling with family members
- Refuses to allow child to socialize with other children or speak to another adult outside of the home
- Secretive
- Exhibits hypersexual activity
- Exposes self to others
- Hesitates or brushes away need to seek medical help for child injuries
- Low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and personality problems
- Often offers to babysit or take care of child(ren)on overnight trips
- Out of the ordinary interest in physical play with child (wresting, tickling, kissing, hugging)
- Selects a “special child”
- Has secret interactions with teens or children (e.g., games; sharing drugs, alcohol, or sexual material)
- Frequently walks in on child/teen in the bathroom
- Allows child/teen to get away with inappropriate behavior.