Child Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse and maltreatment include situations in which the parent, or other person legally responsible for a child under 18 years of age, commits or allows to be committed:

• Touching a child's mouth, genitals, buttocks, breast or other intimate parts for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire; or forcing or encouraging the child to touch the parent, or other legally responsible, in this way for the purpose of gratifying sexual desire.
• Engaging or attempting to engage the child in sexual intercourse or deviate sexual intercourse.
• Forcing or encouraging a child to engage in sexual activity with other children or adults.
• Exposing a child to sexual activity or exhibitionism for the purpose of sexual stimulation or gratification of another.
• Permitting a child to engage in sexual activity which is not developmentally appropriate when such activity results in the child suffering emotional impairment.
• Using a child in sexual performance such as a photograph, play, motion picture, or dance regardless of whether the material itself is obscene.

Sexual Abuse and Maltreatment includes such criminal offenses as rape, sodomy, other non-consensual conduct and prostitution.

Warning Sign of Sexual Abuse

Children who may be too frightened to talk about sexual molestation may exhibit a variety of physical and behavioral signals. Any or several of these signs may be significant. Parents should assume responsibility for noticing such symptoms including:

• Extreme changes in behavior such as loss of appetite.
• Recurrent nightmares of disturbed sleep patterns and fear of dark.
• Regression to more infantile behavior such as bedwetting, thumb sucking, or excessive crying.
• Torn or stained underclothing.
• Vaginal or rectal bleeding, pain, itching, swollen genitals, and vaginal discharge.
• Vaginal infections or venereal disease.
• Unusual interest in or knowledge of sexual matters, expressing affection in ways inappropriate for a child of that age.
• Fear of a person or an intense dislike at being left somewhere with someone.
• Other behavior signals such as an aggressive or disruptive behavior, withdrawal, running away or delinquent behavior, failing in school.