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Injuries Indicative of Abuse
Function of Sexualized Behaviors
The function of sexualized behaviors varies from child to child. Sexualized behaviors are thought to
serve the following functions:
To decrease a child’s anxiety, fear or overall distress; to reduce tension or other
unpleasant internal sensations
To retaliate or hurt others
To reflect re-experiencing behaviors consistent with reactions often noted in children
who have been sexually abused
To elicit an intense reaction from other children or adults
To be motivated by needs of attention or power.
To reflect natural curiosity at times, but be misinterpreted on occasion as deviant
Sometimes sexual behaviors in children may actually be age-appropriate and likely contribute to normal
and healthy sexual development. Sometimes children may not understand social expectations, or that the
sexualized behaviors are socially unacceptable.
Distinguishing Worrisome from Healthy Sexual Behaviors
A number of authors have written about sexualized behaviors in children. Friedrich has done
considerable research in this area and has begun to identify which sexual behaviors are most likely to
occur in boys and girls of different ages.(5) For instance, touching sexual parts (private parts) at home is
common for most children and usually not a worrisome behavior.
Toni Cavanaugh Johnson has identified characteristics that can help a parent or adult figure out if a
sexual behavior is cause for concern or is simply a normal part of growing up.(6) However, even if you
think that a behavior is normal and unrelated to sexual abuse, it is often helpful to discuss the behaviors
with a professional who has expertise in this area if you have any concerns.
The following information has been adapted from the work of Toni Cavanaugh Johnson regarding
Natural and Healthy Sexual Behaviors exhibited by children. It is her view that sexualized behaviors
classified as natural and healthy represent an information gathering process. It is important to note that
children engaging in normative sexual behaviors are:
of similar age, size and/or developmental status
engaged in mutual sexual exploration
likely to display a lighthearted emotional expression
Of further note is that the sexual behavior is:
limited in time and frequency
balanced by curiosity about other aspects of his/her life
may result in embarrassment when discovered by someone else
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