How to Recognize Signs of Sexual Abuse in Adults and Children

It can be hard to wrap your head around the possibility that someone you know is being sexually abused. But sexual abuse affects people of all ages and backgrounds. 

If you suspect that someone is in danger because of abuse, you can begin by looking for common signs of sexual abuse. While signs alone don’t guarantee that someone is being abused, they can be a first step to reporting your concerns or finding help.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse is a broad term that refers to sexual violence. It is most often used to describe a type of abuse against a minor, but may also refer to abuse of adults. 

Child sexual abuse includes any scenario in which an adult uses a child for sexual gratification. Well-known forms of child sexual abuse include physical contact and touching. However, sexual abuse could also involve an adult:

• Watching a child for sexual reasons

• Exposing themselves to a child

• Showing a child sexual materials

But, as mentioned, adults can also be victims of sexual abuse. You may hear terms such as sexual assault, rape, or sexual violence used more often when referring to adult sexual abuse. Sexual assault is when someone forces or pressures sexual behavior on another person.

Sexual assault or abuse can happen to anyone. And abuse happens at the hands of acquaintances, strangers, and people that victims are close to.

Signs of sexual abuse in adults

Adults of all ages can be the targets of sexual abuse. But the signs of abuse sometimes differ depending on the age group and population. 

Signs of sexual abuse in young adults

College students, including young women, may be at particular risk for sexual assault and abuse. Warning signs of sexual abuse in college-aged adults may include:

• Depression symptoms, such as sadness, withdrawal, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities

• Self-harm behaviors

• Thoughts of suicide

• Decreased self-esteem

• Increased anxiety

• Drop in grades

• Drug and alcohol misuse

• Covering more or less of their bodies than was previously typical

• Avoiding specific situations, places, or people

• Injuries in genital, anal, or other intimate body areas

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Signs of sexual abuse in older adults

Older adults and people with disabilities are also vulnerable to sexual abuse. And, in some cases, their abusers are the people they rely on for support, making it difficult to ask for help. 

The following may be signs of sexual abuse in older adults: 

• Bruising in private areas, such as the breasts or genitals

• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

• Vaginal or anal bleeding with an unknown cause

• Seeming fearful or withdrawn, particularly around a certain person

• Unexplained blood on clothes or bedding

Signs of sexual abuse in a romantic relationship

Sexual violence may be part of a wide pattern of abuse, particularly in an intimate relationship. An abuser may force or pressure sex upon a partner as a way to keep control. 

In these cases, it may be difficult to detect signs of sexual abuse. But you can look for overall warning signs of an abusive relationship, including:

• Withdrawal from friends and activities

• Worry about a partner getting angry

• Dismissal of a partner’s concerning behavior

• Extreme jealousy

• Changes in behavior and personality

Signs of sexual abuse in children

Many children and teens experience sexual abuse, as well. And children of any gender can be abused.

Warning signs of sexual abuse may show up differently in children. In general, children are more vulnerable than adults and may not know how to describe or report abuse. They may not even understand abuse is happening.

However, certain signs — especially sudden changes in behavior — can point to something being wrong. Here are some warning signs of sexual abuse in young children: 

• Excessive discussion of sexual topics or knowledge about sex

• Talking less than usual overall

• Wanting to stay near a primary caregiver, while avoiding specific people

• Not wanting to change or take clothes off

• Changes in habits and behaviors, such as not eating

• Frequent physical complaints, such as stomach aches

• Less interest in school, friends, or hobbies

• Frequently being afraid or having nightmares

• Self-harm behaviors or thoughts

• Wearing more or less clothing than before

The warning signs of sexual abuse in teens are similar to those of children. But teens may also experience: 

• Misuse of drugs and alcohol

• Significant changes in weight

• Decrease in self-hygiene practices, such as showering

• Bruises or STIs

It’s common to believe a child’s abuser must be a stranger. However, the opposite is often true. More than 90% of sexual abusers know the child they abuse; nearly 60% are acquaintances and almost 35% are family members. 

Resources and support for victims of sexual abuse

There are many support options available to help both adults and children who have experienced sexual abuse. Here are some resources to consider:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline: The National Sexual Assault Hotline is operated by the Rape, Abuse, & Incest National Network (RAINN). Hotline representatives provide resources on sexual assault and abuse and can help you find ongoing support. Connect with them 24/7 at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: If you’re experiencing abuse from a partner or family member, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which is available 24/7. Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “Start” to 88788. Representatives will connect you to local support systems that can help you get to a safe place or access ongoing resources. 

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Representatives with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can help you with an immediate mental health concern or recommend local treatment options. Just call 988 or visit the lifeline online. 

• State child abuse hotlines: Each state and region has its own process for following up on child abuse reports. But many regions have a statewide hotline or website where you can report abuse. If you don’t know the number for your state’s hotline, find it by visiting the Child Welfare Information Gateway.

• State adult protective services: If you suspect an older adult or adult with disabilities is being sexually abused, contact your state or county adult protective services. You can use the National Adult Protective Services Association’s get help tool to find agencies in your area.

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Written by:

Jennie Bedsworth, LCSW

Jennie Bedsworth, MSW, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with 20 years of experience in journalism, teaching, and mental health. Prior to completing her master's degree, she wrote for The Furrow magazine and was editor of Missouri Ruralist magazine.

Edited by:

Renée Fabian, MA

Renée Fabian is the senior pet health editor at GoodRx. She’s worked for nearly 10 years as a journalist and editor across a wide range of health and well-being topics.

Reviewed by:

India B. Gomez, PhD

India B. Gomez, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a certificate in Latin American Family Therapy. She completed her doctoral education at the California School of Professional Psychology/Alliant International University.

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