Sexual assault: Tools
Indicators of sexual assault
1. Admission by an offender – this happens very rarely as most offenders deny or try to minimise any abuse.
2. Witness by someone else – family members, staff or others witness a sexual assault or sexually exploitative behaviours.
3. Disclosure by a victim.
The following indicators may suggest a sexual assault has taken place, but should not be taken alone as evidence of sexual assault.
4. Physical evidence – a victim may have some of these physical indicators:
- semen stains on clothing (particularly on women's clothing)
- pregnancy
- bruises, bleeding or trauma in genital, rectal or urethral openings
- sexually transmitted disease
- itching, inflammation or infection in urethral, vaginal or anal areas
- trauma to breasts, buttocks, lower abdomen or thighs
- abdominal pain
- migraines.
5. Behavioural indicators – a victim may show some of these behavioural indicators:
- self-destructive behaviour
- sleep disturbances and nightmares
- acting out behaviours
- lack of interest in usual activities
- persistent and inappropriate sexual play
- sexually aggressive behaviour
- irritability, a short temper or weeping
- withdrawal
- eating and elimination disturbances
- increase or decrease in attention to hygiene
- unexplained accumulation of money or gifts
- fear of particular people or situations
- saying that they have a secret.