Identification of Sexual Abuse

Offers the definition of sexual abuse and information to help identify the signs and symptoms.

Abuse Characteristics and Individual Differences Related to Disclosing Childhood Sexual, Physical, and Emotional Abuse and Witnessed Domestic Violence

Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 31(7)

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Analyzes factors that contribute to reporting, or choosing not to report, sexual, physical, and emotional abuse and how it relates to when victims first witnessed domestic violence. The circumstances of each type of abuse and the frequency in which it occurred were also examined.

Child Sexual Abuse Disclosure: What Practitioners Need to Know (PDF - 269 KB)
Darkness to Light
Explains the role of disclosure in child sexual abuse situations as well as the factors that promote disclosure. This resource also presents research findings on child sexual abuse prevention and intervention.

The Importance of Knowing Child Sexual Abuse Symptoms in the Elementary Teacher's Work (PDF 194 - KB)
Osadan & Reid (2015)
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 5(7)
Presents an analysis of existing literature about the signs of child sexual abuse and other traumas in children ages 6–12 in order to create a list of signs that are specific to child sexual abuse only. The purpose of the study is to help teachers differentiate between possible sexual abuse and other childhood traumas.

Identification of Child Sexual Abuse and Prevention of Psychiatric Morbidity (PDF - 455 KB)
Desousa, Karia, Shah, & Shrivastava (2016)
International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 3(1)
Examines child sexual abuse as a risk factor for psychiatric illness and the prevalence of depression, substance use, body image issues, personality disorders, and other harmful behaviors in individuals exposed to child sexual abuse.

A National Protocol for Sexual Abuse Medical Forensic Examinations, Pediatric (PDF - 2,080 KB)
U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women (2016)
Provides guidelines for health-care providers who perform medical forensic examinations of children after an allegation of child sexual abuse and for professionals who coordinate with the medical facility during the examination process. The guide looks at response strategies after an allegation has been made and the components of the examination.

Parenting a Child or Youth Who Has Been Sexually Abused: A Guide for Foster and Adoptive Parents
Series Title Factsheets for Families
Author(s)
Child Welfare Information Gateway.
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Year Published 2018
Discusses how you can help children and youth in your care by educating yourself about child sexual abuse, understanding the impact of the abuse, establishing guidelines for safety and privacy in your family, and seeking help if you need it. Reading this factsheet alone will not guarantee that you will know what to do in every circumstance, but you can use it as a resource for some of the potential challenges and rewards that lie ahead.

Research Review: New Data on ACEs
Prevent child Abuse America (2019)
Explores emerging research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), including interventions and areas of limitation with the current framework. 

Sexual Abuse
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (2014)
Provides families with an overview of the signs of child sexual abuse and the next steps to take if sexual abuse is suspected.

Tip Sheet: Warning Signs of Possible Sexual Abuse in a Child’s Behaviors
Stop It Now! (2017)
Explains common indicators for younger children and adolescents that may have experienced sexual abuse. The tip sheet also provides follow-up steps for parents who suspect sexual abuse has occurred.  

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