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Injuries Indicative of Abuse
ceases (in the presence of adults) when children are instructed to stop
engaging in the behaviors
Dr. Johnson has also identified Problematic Sexual Behaviors in children. The list that follows is not
exhaustive which means that other characteristics that are not included on the list can also be worrisome.
Even worrisome behaviors do not mean that a child has been sexually abused. However, if you are
concerned about a child’s sexual behavior, it is often a good idea to consult a professional with expertise
in this area. The following sexualized behaviors are thought to be problematic:
Sexual behaviors engaged in by children of different ages and/or developmental levels
Sexual behaviors which are significantly different than those of same age peers
Sexual behaviors that progress in frequency, intensity and intrusiveness over time
Sexual behaviors that include animals
Sexual behaviors that are intended to inflict pain or hurt others
Sexual behaviors that have been coerced by other children by the use of force, bribery,
manipulation or threats
Sexual behaviors that cause children to react with fear, anxiety, shame or guilt
Nonspecific Behaviors
Psychosocial Indicators of Sexual Abuse
Sexually abused children may exhibit a range of emotional or behavioral problems as a result of their
abuse experience. The type and degree of disturbance varies from child to child ranging from no obvious
reaction to very mild reactions to extreme behavior changes. According to one published article, up to
40% of sexually abused children are asymptomatic.(4) This means that no symptoms or concerning
behaviors were observed. It is important to note that no single symptom or behavioral profile can
distinguish a maltreated child from his/her age-mates who have not been maltreated. Most of the
behaviors exhibited by abused or neglected children are often associated with non-abuse related
difficulties or other types of trauma experienced by children. Of the behaviors that may be seen in
sexually abused children, most are also linked to extreme stress reactions in children and/or general child
trauma. That means that a child’s behavioral changes can cause concern and be quite alarming because
he or she has been sexually abused, but can also be caused by circumstances completely unrelated to
child abuse.
The following behaviors are sometimes be seen in sexually children. They are significant when they
occur in conjunction with a child’s disclosure and/or if the child has been exposed to a known sexual
offender. These symptoms and behaviors in and of themselves do not necessarily indicate sexual abuse,
but may be indicative of some other problem or trauma.
Behavioral Reactions:
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