Frequently Asked Questions

What is Child Sexual Abuse?

Sexual abuse can be defined as any sexual involvement or contact by an adult or older child with a child. It can include but is not limited to:

• Fondling
• Oral sex
• Intercourse
• Pornography
• Exposing self to child

How Can I Tell If A Child Has Been Abused?

Most children don’t tell about being abused right away. The signs and symptoms will usually be behavioral. Behavioral indicators may include:

• Nightmares
• Withdrawing or aggression
• Sexual knowledge beyond their age
• Sexual acting out
• Regressing to an earlier developmental stage; sucking thumb, bedwetting, baby talking
• Fear of being alone with a certain person
• Excessive masturbation

There may be some physical signs including:

• Bruises, bleeding, infection in genital or anal area
• Pain or itching in genital area
• Unexplained headaches or stomachaches Rectal bleeding

Any one of the above does not mean sexual abuse has occurred, but may indicate reason to suspect abuse.

Do Children Ever Make False Reports About Being Abused?

Multiple studies have shown that false allegations of sexual abuse are rare. In fact 2% or less of all allegations are deliberately false. Remember, most children are afraid to disclose abuse because they fear the perpetrator or that they will be punished for what happened. That is why it is so important to believe a child who does find the courage to come forward.

Who Sexually Abuses Children?

There is not one type of abuser but children are most often abused by someone they know and trust. Most children are molested by their fathers, grandfathers, mothers’ boyfriends, or other adult acquaintances. Children are also abused by older siblings and peers. 80-90% of children are molested by someone the child and family know.