Checklist of Possible Indicators of Abuse and Neglect - Preventing and Reporting Child Abuse

Sexual Abuse: Behavioral Indicators
Excessive modesty	Child very uncomfortable with nudity Unwilling to change for gym class or participate in physical education class Extreme fear of being touched Unwilling to submit to physical examination
Behavioral extremes	Aggressive towards other children Poor peer relationships Overly passive and submissive (e.g., submits readily to genital examination during which most children would show reluctance or embarrassment) General fearfulness Manifestations of low self-esteem
Sexual behavior more advanced than normal	Reports sexual experiences by caretaker Has bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual knowledge of sexual behaviors Tries to force other children to engage in sexual practices with them Demonstrates seductive or promiscuous sexual behavior Describes seeing pornographic movies or pictures Engages in prostitution
Self-injurious behavior	Eating disorders Cutting self (self-mutilation)
Delinquency or truancy	Chronic pattern of child from 6 – 16 years of age who is absent from school so often that the child will not pass the current grade Criminal behavior (stealing)