Pediatric Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse or child molestation is defined by Texas law as indecency, sexual contact or sexual harm of anyone 17 years old or younger.
What is Pediatric Sexual Abuse?
Sexual abuse is any form of indecency (offensiveness), sexual contact (including touching) or sexual harm to anyone under the age of 18.
The perpetrator does not need to come into physical contact with the victim, as indecency includes pornography, exposing/exhibitionism or obscene phone calls/texts/videos/messages. Texas law also protects children from sexual conduct that will harm their emotional, mental or physical well-being.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pediatric Sexual Abuse?
Emotional signs and physical symptoms of sexual abuse often go hand in hand, but will differ between age groups and situations. They include:
Drug or alcohol abuse
Afraid to shower or get changed
Aggressive physical or sexual behavior
Anxious or clingy
Bruises or unexplained injuries
Falling asleep in class
Genital bruising or tearing
Harms him or herself
Keeps to him or herself
Nightmares or problems sleeping
Obsessive or risk-taking behavior
Refuses to be touched or jumpy
Soils clothes or wets the bed
Sudden change in behavior
Unexplained blood in undergarments or on sheets
Pediatric Sexual Abuse Doctors and Providers
