When someone is a victim of sexual abuse, they don’t always speak out. In fact, sometimes they don’t even realize they are a victim, especially if their abuser is skilled at manipulating their thoughts and emotions. By being able to recognize the signs of sexual abuse, you may be able to help your loved ones out of a dangerous situation. Here, we’ll provide a list of some of the common signs of sexual abuse in both children and adults as well as what you can do if you suspect somebody you know is being sexually abused. 

Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children

People who sexually abuse children typically take pains to hide the abuse, and children may be afraid to speak about the abuse. Protecting children is incredibly important work for anybody who is regularly around children either professionally or personally. Here are some warning signs to look out for: 

• Unexplained bleeding, bruising, or blood in the genital area
• Signs of a sexually transmitted infection
• Excessive interest in or talk about sexual topics
• Becoming withdrawn, not talking much, or spending an excessive amount of time alone
• Keeping secrets
• Being afraid of specific people or not wanting to be alone with specific people 
• Regressions in development or behavior
• Being excessively compliant
• Avoiding removing clothing
• Change in mood
• Change in eating habits
• Excessive worry or fear
• Decreased confidence
• New and unexplained health problems like stomach aches
• Decreased interest in activities
• Self-harm

Not every child will show every sign, and the presence of one of these warning signs does not automatically mean a child is being sexually abused. However, any major change in a child’s disposition or behavior always warrants more interest and investigation. Often, children communicate with us through their behaviors rather than with their words. Keeping this list on hand can help you narrow down what may be going on if you notice a change in a child you love. 

Being able to recognize the signs of sexual abuse in children is imperative. The sooner someone interjects to save a child from sexual abuse, the better. You can stop the trauma and help the child begin the road toward healing, and you may even save a child’s life. 

If you have strong reason to believe a child is being sexually abused, it’s important to report the abuse immediately. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673) to find help, call 911, or report child abuse to your state.  

Signs of Sexual Abuse in Adults

Adults can be victims of sexual abuse, too, and like children, they may try to hide their abuse. Sexual abuse can even happen with two people who are in a relationship; it doesn’t always happen between strangers. Here are some warning signs to look out for: 

• Bleeding, pain, or itching around the genital area
• Pain when walking or sitting
• Unexplained bruising
• Torn, bloody, or stained clothing
• Unexplained genital discharge or sexually transmitted infections
• Unexplained pregnancy
• Covering up the body with clothing
• Trouble sleeping
• Self-harm
• Not wanting to be alone with a specific person
• Change in attitude or behavior toward sexual activity 

Sometimes, especially when we’re concerned about abuse in adults, we don’t act because we want to stay out of other people’s business. However, it’s incredibly important to act if you suspect a friend or loved one is a victim of sexual abuse. With an adult, you might simply start by talking to them about your concerns. 

You can also contact a doctor, social worker, or human resources at your loved one’s workplace if you believe the abuse is taking place within the workplace. Sexual abuse is a crime, so you can also report the abuse to your local law enforcement. If you need help navigating this, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). 

Victims of Sexual Abuse Seek Justice 

There are currently a number of lawsuits taking place where institutions, organizations, and companies failed to protect their members and patrons from sexual abuse. Here are four of the current sexual abuse and sexual assault lawsuits. 

• Southern Baptist Convention Sexual Abuse Lawsuit: The sexual abuse scandal involving the Southern Baptist Convention dates back at least 10 years. Survivors of sexual abuse claim that leaders in the convention covered up sexual abuse reports and that those who tried to report abuse were treated poorly. This sexual abuse scandal has possibly affected thousands of people. 
• Mormon (LDS) Church Sexual Abuse Lawsuit: Known as the Mormon Church as well as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), the LDS church has faced many allegations of sexual abuse. These allegations involve both isolated incidents and institutional sexual abuse that was conducted and/or covered up by senior church leaders. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim that the church failed to protect people from abuse, failed to take action after learning about abuse, and actively covered up abuse. 
• Catholic Church Sex Abuse Lawsuit: Allegations of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church date back decades. Many of the allegations are against senior church members including thousands of clergy. Victims of sexual abuse also claim that the Catholic Church covered up abuse for years. 
• Uber & Lyft Lawsuits - Sexual and Physical Assaults: In the years since rideshare services have become popular, allegations of sexual assault have popped up at alarming rates. Those who have been abused claim that rideshare companies could have and should have done more to protect passengers from sexual assault. 

At Select Justice, we’re here to help you and your loved ones seek justice if you have been the victim of sexual abuse. We can help you find a sexual abuse lawyer, and we will run a free case evaluation to see if you have a case in any of the sexual abuse lawsuits.