Sexual Abuse

The signs and indicators of abuse and neglect may include but are not limited to those that follow. It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.

Sexual abuse is any sexual exploitation of a child by an older person where the child is being used for a sexual purpose.

The Criminal Code of Canada identifies a number of types of sexual abuse, including:
- sexual interference;
- an invitation to sexually touch;
- sexual exploitation of a young person;
- parent or guardian procuring sexual activity from a child;
- householder permitting sexual activity;
- exposing genitals to a child; and
- incest.

Behavioural indicators:
- age inappropriate play with toys, self or others displaying explicit sexual acts
- age inappropriate sexually explicit drawing and/or descriptions
- bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge
- prostitution
- seductive behaviours

Physical indicators:
- unusual or excessive itching in the genital or anal area
- torn, stained or bloody underwear (may be observed if the child needs bathroom assistance)
- pregnancy
- injuries to the genital or anal areas, eg bruising, swelling or infection
- venereal disease

It is important to realize that the presence of any one indicator is not conclusive proof that a child has been abused. In most instances, abused children will exhibit a number of behavioural and physical indicators.