Physical Symptoms of Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse can occur at any time in a person's life and can manifest physically in several ways. Sexual abuse is a serious crime, no matter what the age of the victim or perpetrator, and knowing some of the physical symptoms of sexual abuse can make a real difference in the victim's life. If you suspect that someone you love is the victim of sexual abuse, it is important to speak to the police as well as seek medical help for the victim.

Bruising

Sexual abuse often manifests in unusual bruising patterns, particularly on the arms, legs and genital areas. This is usually caused by the resistance of the victim as well as the attacker's attempts at restraining the victim. Sometimes, however, size difference or difference in weight also causes bruising, especially in children and the elderly who are typically more susceptible to bruising than adults.

Genitals

Sexual abuse usually targets the victim's genitals, resulting in not only bruising, but tears or other unexplained trauma. An examination by a physician can definitively determine sexual assault, particularly in women and girls. With women or girls who are virgins, sexual abuse may also tear the hymen, a thin membrane at the opening of the vagina.

Anal

More common with boys and men who have been sexually abused, but still common among women, is anal tearing or trauma that results from sexual abuse. Bleeding and sensitivity in the area are signs that the tissues around the anus and in the rectum have been damaged. Infection is also possible in these cases.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Not uncommonly, people who have been sexually abused may develop sexually transmitted diseases. This may manifest as difficulty urinating, pain when urinating, lesions or sores, and foul-smelling discharges. These are serious diseases which must be treated quickly as some, such as syphilis, can cause dementia and death.

Other symptoms

Other symptoms are caused by a combination of psychological trauma and physical damage and include (but are not limited to), unexplained bleeding, stomach aches, inability to sleep, disinterest in food, early sexual play (in children), and aggressiveness or a desire to hurt themselves or others. These problems may linger even well after the physical signs of abuse have healed and faded, but are no less important or real and should be treated by the appropriate medical professional.

References

• Healthline; Child Sexual Abuse
• Developmental Psychology; Sexual Abuse
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital; Signs of Sexual Abuse