What is Child Sexual Abuse?
Child sexual abuse happens when an adult or older person involves a child (under 18) in sexual activities that the child:
-
Doesn't understand.
-
Can't agree to.
-
Isn't ready for.
It can include physical contact, showing inappropriate images, or pressuring a child in any way. This is harmful and illegal, and preventing it is very important (CDC, 2024).
Sexual abuse is a type of trauma.
What is trauma?
Trauma happens when someone goes through a deeply distressing or dangerous experience, event, or a lot of events that leaves a lasting negative impact on their mind, body, emotions, relationships, or overall well-being (Menschner & Maul, 2016).
Trauma can also have an impact on a child’s physical and emotional development.
Other kinds of trauma include neglect, physical abuse, and emotional abuse.
Trauma can also be caused from experiencing a natural disaster or watching something happen to a family member, like domestic abuse.
Sexual abuse is especially harmful because it deeply damages a child’s developing sense of self. The secrecy surrounding it forces the child to suffer in silence, carrying overwhelming feelings of shame and guilt. However, when parents openly talk with their children about appropriate touch and sex, children are less likely to become victims of abuse (cite).
Signs and Symptoms
Physical Signs
-
Pain, bleeding, burning, itching, or bruising in the genital and/or anal areas.
-
Bloody, torn, or stained underclothes.
-
Difficulty walking or sitting.
-
Frequent urinary or yeast infections
Behavioral Signs
-
Developmentally inappropriate sexual knowledge or behaviors
-
Nightmares or bedwetting
-
Changes or refusing hygiene
-
Personality changes, such as sudden mood shifts, anxiety, depression, excessive shyness, angry outbursts, that are out of your child’s “normal” behavior.
-
Withdrawal from other children or has difficulty making friendships.
-
Sudden refusal, unwillingness, or fear of being left alone with a certain person or in a place they once enjoyed.
-
Expresses suicidal thoughts, especially in adolescents
-
Self-harm
-
Regression to earlier behaviors, such as thumb-sucking
Some children show signs of sexual abuse, but others do not. So, it’s important to focus on prevention and open communication. Teaching kids about body safety, personal boundaries, and how to talk about these topics can help prote
Why don't Children tell about Sexual Abuse?
There are a lot of reasons why children do not tell they are being sexually abused. Here are some reasons:
-
Threats of being hurt or threats to hurt the family
-
Fear of being taken away
-
Fear of not being believed
-
Shame or guilt
If the abuser is someone the child or family cares about, the child may be afraid of getting them in trouble. Children might also think the abuse is their fault and worry about being punished. Young children may not have the words to explain what happened or may not realize it’s wrong, especially if the abuser presents it as a game (NCTSN, 2009).
Remember, 93% of CSA survivors know their abusers. A child could think that this is “normal” behavior or a child has been groomed.
What is Grooming?
Sexual grooming is when a perpetrator carefully builds trust with a child and the people around them—like their family and community—to gain access, separate the child, and eventually exploit them. It's not just the child being manipulated, but also the adults who might otherwise protect them. The perpetrator creates a false sense of trust and safety to make their abuse easier to carry out (NCA, 2025).
Effects of CSA
Child sexual abuse is likely the most common health problem childern face and can lead to various long-term consequences if left untreated. Some long-term consequences include challenges in:
-Mental health
-Physical health
-Substance use
-Criminal behavior
Can Children get better after Sexual Abuse?
Yes! There is hope for children to heal and have a fulfilling life after experiencing sexual abuse. Children can and do get better after sexual abuse. It is highly recommended that parents/ caregivers should be a part of the treatment of childhood sexual abuse because parent support and positive family functioning serve as protective factors from children exposed to trauma (Lindstrom-Johnson, S., Elam, K., et. al., 2018; Cohen, J. A., 2010). It is important for children to receive treatment after sexual abuse because it decrease the effects sexual abuse can have on a child.
As parents and caregivers, it is hard to know how to parent a child after a significant trauma. Click the button below to learn more about trauma-informed parenting!
