Did you know that children from violent homes often display a variety of behavioral characteristics as a result of living in an unpredictable environment? Many of these characteristics are similar to those exhibited by children who have been abused in other ways.
Recent studies show that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused before they reach the age of 18 years, and that in homes where domestic violence is present, 50% of children living in those homes are abused physically and/or emotionally.
Characteristics of Children Suffering from Sexual Abuse
Behavioral Indicators:
- Eating disturbances
- Excessive fear or phobias of certain objects, people, places, or activities
- Withdrawal, fantasy, or unusual acting out
- Sexually provocative behavior, i.e., sexually acting out, showing unusual interest in sexual matters
- Hyper-vigilance
- Fear of restrooms, showers, or baths (common locations of abuse)
- Abrupt personality changes, extreme mood swings, fearfulness, or excessive crying
- Anxieties, especially at naptime
- Uncharacteristic aggression or rebelliousness
Physical Indicators:
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Pain or itching in the genital area
- Torn, stained, or bloody under-clothing
- Frequent urinary infection
- Genital discharge
- Psychosomatic symptoms (frequent headaches or stomach aches)
Characteristics of Children Suffering from Domestic Abuse
Behavioral Indicators:
- Aggressive behaviors and nightmares
- Short attention span
- Acting anxious and/or having nervous disorders
- Bullying other children or being violent towards others
- Appearing depressed, embarrassed, or humiliated
- Appearing to feel powerless or worthless
- Using violence to express frustration, anger, and stress
- Appearing shy, lonely and fearful
- Difficulty setting boundaries or often violating others’ space or rights
- Self isolating from others
Physical Indicators:
- Evidence of unexplained physical injury
- Appearing to be emotionally or physically neglected
- Bedwetting reversal, frequent headaches, and stomach aches
- Frequently ill, absent from school
More Information
Access other web information on child abuse at: