Sexual Abuse Support Group
Sexual abuse is a relative cultural term used to describe sexual relations and behavior between two or more parties which are considered criminally and/or morally offensive. Different types of sexual abuse involve: Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape, incest or sexual assault, or psychological forms of abuse, such as verbal sexual behavior or...
It's one of those late nights where I am thinking about my past. I know it is not good to dwell on it, but usually I don't. I haven't had flashbacks in a long time and I have been attending therapy. Just tonight I somehow started thinking about my sexual abuse.
While I was thinking about my past I began thinking about all the times I wet the bed. I read something about children who are abused can sometimes have bedwetting problems. I took it a step further. I would pee on my toys. I wonder if this has something to do with my trauma.
Did anyone else have bedwetting problems or peeing on toys as a child?
While I was thinking about my past I began thinking about all the times I wet the bed. I read something about children who are abused can sometimes have bedwetting problems. I took it a step further. I would pee on my toys. I wonder if this has something to do with my trauma.
Did anyone else have bedwetting problems or peeing on toys as a child?
Behavioural indicators of child sexual abuse
The following information are indicators, not proof that sexual assault may have taken place.
When a child reports sexual abuse either directly, or indirectly in a disguised way e.g. "I know a girl who..."
Persistent and inappropriate sexual play with peers, toys, animals or themselves. e.g. child habitually inserting objects in her vagina or sexually aggressive behaviour with others, eg for a boy 'humping' toys in sexual positions.
Detailed and overly sophisticated understanding of sexual behaviour (especially by young children).
Sexual themes in the child's artwork, stories or play.
Fear of going home or expressing a desire to live in a foster home or institution.
Regressive behaviour e.g. excessive clinginess in pre-school children or the sudden onset of soiling and wetting when these were not formerly a problem.
A child may appear disconnected or focused on fantasy worlds.
Sleep disturbances and nightmares.
Marked changes in appetite.
Fear states e.g. anxiety, depression, phobias, obsession.
Overly compliant behaviour, as often young people who have been abused have experienced extensive grooming behaviours.
Parentified or adultified behaviour e.g. acting like a parent or spouse.
Delinquent or aggressive behaviour.
Arriving late at school or leaving early.
Poor or deteriorating relationships with peers.
Increased inability to concentrate in school and/or sudden deterioration in school performance.
Non-participation in school and social activities.
Unwillingness to participate in physical/recreational activities, especially if this is due to symptoms of physical discomfort.
Truancy/running away from home.
Excessively seductive behaviour and/or sexual activity. (This is an effect of the sexual abuse rather than a cause).
Drug/alcohol abuse.
Prostitution. There is a strong correlation between child sexual abuse and late teenage prostitution.
Self-mutilation ie cutting of arms, legs, burning home made tattoos.
Suicidal feelings and suicide attempts.
Fear of adults of the same sex as the abuser.
Unexplained accumulation of money or gifts.
KAdunn, wow! I related to so much on that list. That was truly an eye opener for me. Thank you for sharing that. I really appreciate that.