Signs of Sexual Abuse

“Children’s bodies aren’t like automobiles with the assailant’s fingerprints lingering on the wheel. The world of sexual abuse is quintessentially secret. It is the perfect crime.”

This quote from author Beatrix Campbell gets to the heart of sexual abuse. Unlike other crimes, the damage inflicted upon victims is always internal, hidden. Shame and embarrassment are harbored within the soul, where they eat away at a child’s esteem, joy, and wellbeing.

Here at Trinity Teen Solutions, we counsel young women who struggle with a range of behavioral and developmental difficulties. All too often, we discover a history of sexual abuse at the core of their problems. In most cases, the affliction went unnoticed by the parents. If your instincts are telling you that your teen daughter may be a victim of sexual abuse, go with them. The following are some tell-tale signs to look out for.

Unattractiveness: Your daughter used to put time and effort into her hair, makeup and clothing. Now, she hides her body in baggy, bulky shirts.

Eating Habits: Her healthy, normal appetite has been replaced by significant weight loss or gain.

Anger: She’s grown increasingly withdrawn, and when you question her, she responds with unreasonable outbursts.

Sexual Behavior: Her modesty has been replaced by promiscuity. She dresses and behaves seductively, yearns for male attention, and degrades herself.

Damaged Relationships: She used to spend a lot of time with a particular family member. She now refuses to be alone with that individual.

Habits: She squints her eyes, makes a squeaking sound, excessively bites her nails, or twirls her hair. These behaviors came on suddenly and obsessively, and they are possible signs of inner turmoil.

As previously stated, sexual abuse is the perfect crime, in that it often goes unnoticed. If your daughter is displaying these or any other strange behaviors, ask her if anyone has been inappropriate with her. If she resists, try again. With time, love and patience, you will break through the darkness that’s surrounding her.

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Angie Woodward is a Registered Nurse in Wyoming and is the founder and owner/director of Trinity Teen Solutions, Inc. TTS is a licensed Christian Residential Treatment center for at risk teen girls, young adult women, and their families. Call 307-645-3384 for a free consultation

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