If You Suspect a Child Is Being Abused

To report child sexual abuse in the District of Columbia call 202-671-SAFE

Child sexual abuse is sexual contact or activity between a child and someone four years older or more. Even if a child seems to cooperate in the sexual activity, it is abuse because there is a power imbalance between a child and someone older. (more information)

Signs & Symptoms

Although the following symptoms might indicate child sexual abuse, they are not definite signs that a child has been abused:

• Having sexual knowledge or acting out sexually
• Depression, excessive worry, fear, or over-seriousness
• Any sudden change in mood or demeanor
• Strained family relationships
• Poor self-image, low self-esteem
• Regressive behaviors like age-inappropriate thumb-sucking or bed-wetting
• Recurrent physical complaints (e.g. “my stomach hurts”)
• Fear or extreme dislike of a particular person or particular place
• Venereal disease and other infections or difficulties in the genital/anal area
• Pregnancy

If a child tells you they are being sexually abused you should take them seriously and listen to their story. Although it's important to respect the privacy of the child, you should file a report with the appropriate authorities as soon as possible.