Detecting Sexual Exploitation

Some forms of abuse may not leave obvious physical evidence. There are, however, behavioral signs that may indicate victimization. This is especially true of children who have been sexually molested. You should be alert to these signs of sexual abuse:

• Changes in behavior, extreme mood swings, withdrawal, fearfulness, and excessive crying.
• Nightmares, fear of going to bed, or other sleep disturbances, such as bed-wetting.
• Acting out inappropriate sexual activitiy or showing an unusual interest in sexual matters.
• A sudden acting out of feelings or aggressive or rebellious behavior.
• Regression to infantile behavior.
• A fear of certain places, people, or activities, especially being alone with certain people. Children should not be forced to give affection to an adult or teenager if they do not want to. A desire to avoid this may indicate a problem or may indicate that parents have cautioned the child against such behavior.
• Pain, itching, bleeding, fluid, or rawness in the private areas.

You should note that some of these behaviors may have other explanations. A child who comes to summer camp is entering a strange environment and may experience homesickness or anxieties that can lead to behaviors similar to the signs of sexual molestation. Do not simply discount the behavior as homesickness, however. Immediately bring it to the attention of the camp director or camp nurse. You are in a position to be a comfort and aid to the campers placed in your care. Even if the child's behavior is a result of homesickness, his or her camp experience will be much more enjoyable if the cause of the distress is addressed.