(2)
Signs and symptoms of neglect and emotional abuse. Included are the
following.
(a)
Stage of development less than other children of the same age.
(b) Evidence of various problems in learning.
(c)
Frequently very depressed.
(d) Fearful.
(e) Aggressive behavior.
(f)
Socially withdrawn.
(g) Sometimes behaves in more adult manner than other children of
the same age.
c. Sexual Abuse of a Child.
(1) Definition. Any sexual activity between an adult and a child (a child is a
person under the age of 18) is defined as sexual abuse. Types of sexual abuse of a
child include rape (rape of a child, formerly called statutory rape, is sexual intercourse
with a girl, not the offender's wife, under the age of consent), incest, indecent assault,
child pornography, and child prostitution. Included are child molestation (fondling or
masturbation of the child by another person), intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral
intercourse even though not forced on the child), and family-related rape. Usually, the
child victim is a girl (90 percent of the cases) and half of these child victims are under
the age of 12. The person committing the abuse is usually male (99 percent of the
time).
Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse. Included are the following.
(2)
(a) Lacerations, bruises, or injuries to the genitals; injuries that cannot
be explained logically as accidental.
(b) Venereal disease.
(c)
Poor sphincter tone.
MD0584
4-12