Allowing the child to watch or hear sexual acts or sexual materials Incidents of abuse may occur just once or can be repeated many times over years. Signs of Child Sexual Abuse Behavioral indicators serve as signals to alert concern and do not necessarily mean that a child has been sexually or physically abused. A child may experience some of these symptoms as a result of normal development or other kinds of stress. The more extreme or compulsive these behaviors may be, the more reason for concern. If several of these indicators are consistently present, some form of abuse may have occurred.
Sexual abusers can be anyone, male or female, although most abusers are men.
Abusers come from all age groups. Some abusers may not be much older than the victim. Abuse is a problem among the rich and poor and among all skin colors. Abusers come from every kind of community. Sexual abuse of children is more common than many people think, and its effects can be devastating.