Vol. 5, No. 1 • November 2000

Possible Signals of Child Sexual Abuse

If a child exhibits the following traits, he or she may have experienced sexual abuse. If you see these behaviors in your foster child, tell the child's social worker.

• Stands too close to people.
• Talks about wanting to be the opposite sex.
• Touches genital area when in public places.
• Masturbates with hand or objects.
• Draws genitals and/or breasts when drawing people.
• Imitates the act of sexual intercourse with self or dolls.
• Puts mouth on or touches others' genital areas.
• Uses words to describe sexual acts.
• Tries to engage others in sexual activity.
• Hugs adults they do not know well or runs from adults.
• When kissing, tries to put tongue in other's mouth.

Copyright � 2000 Jordan Institute for Families