Sexual Abuse

What is Sexual Abuse?

Examples: rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, sexual acts or indecent exposure to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into.

People find sexual abuse particularly difficult to speak about. Patience and empathy is essential.

Possible Indicators:

• Sudden change in behaviour
• Sudden onset of confusion
• Incontinence
• Withdrawal
• Overt sexual behaviour/language by the adult
• Self-inflicted injury
• Disturbed sleep pattern/poor concentration
• Difficulty in walking
• Torn, stained underwear
• ‘Love bites’
• Pain/itching/bleeding or bruising in genital area
• Sexually transmitted disease/urinary tract/vaginal infection
• Bruising to upper arms and thighs
• Frequent vaginal and urinary tract infection
• Severe upset or agitation when bathing
• Pregnancy in a person who is unable to consent