Indicators

(1)Parents should be alert to the below noted indicators of sexual and physical abuse and exploitation.

(2)Changes in behavior, extreme mood swings, withdrawl, fearfulness, and excessive crying.

(3)Changes in bed-wetting, nightmares, fear of going to bed, or other sleep disturbances.

(4)Acting out inappropriate sexual activity or showing an unusual interest in sexual matters.

(5)A sudden acting out of feelings or aggressive or rebellious behavior. Regression to infantile behavior; clinging.

(6)School problems, behavior problems.

(7)Changes in toilet-training habits.

(8)A fear of certain places, people, or activities; an excessive fear of going to a certain place.

(9)Bruises, rashes, cuts, limping, multiple or poorly explained injuries.

(10)Pain, itching, bleeding, fluid, or rawness in the private areas.

You should note that some of these behaviors may have other explanations, but it is important to assist your child no matter what the cause of these symptoms or behaviors.