A child who has experienced sexual abuse may exhibit one or many of these common behaviors: sleeping troubles, including nightmares, fear, withdrawal from family and friends, anger, anxiety, or depression. Children who have been abused may speak or behave in a manner that indicates sexual knowledge inappropriate for the child’s age. They may also show signs of guilt or self-blame. If any of these behaviors are present, it does not automatically mean abuse is happening, but it does mean you should address the situation, and talk with the child about what is going on. For more information, read the VIRTUS® article “Learning from True Stories of Victims/Survivors” on lacatholics.org/did-you-know/.

Read the VIRTUS® article “Learning from True Stories of Victims/Survivors” here.