Signs of Sexual Exploitation in Children

Parents, grandparents, and guardians should be aware of the signs noted below that could indicate your child has been sexually molested. 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.

• Changes in behavior, extreme mood swings, withdrawal, fearfulness, and excessive crying

• Bed-wetting, nightmares, fear of going to bed, or other sleep disturbances

• Acting out inappropriate sexual activity or showing an unusual interest in sexual matters

• A sudden acting out of feelings or aggressive or rebellious behavior

• Regression to infantile behavior; clinging

• School or behavioral problems

• Changes in toilet-training habits

• A fear of certain places, people, or activities

• Bruises, rashes, cuts, limping, multiple or poorly explained injuries

• Pain, itching, bleeding, fluid, or rawness in the private areas

If you observe any of these behaviors, talk to your child about the causes. Behavioral changes such as these may be due to causes other than sexual exploitation such as a medical, family, or school problem. Also keep in mind that sometimes children do not always demonstrate obvious signs such as these but may do or say something that hints at the exploitation.

Information adapted from Just in Case...Parental guidelines in case you are considering daycareand Parental guidelines in case your child might someday be a victim of sexual exploitation. Copyright © respectively 1989 and 2003 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. All rights reserved.