Use back arrow to return

Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse

---

What is Domestic Violence?
Emotional or physical abuse by a caretaker, parent, spouse, or sexual partner. Domestic violence is a crime in the United States.

• Physical abuse is the deliberate infliction of physical injury on a person.
• Emotional abuse includes threats, constant criticism, and degradation.

Who is at risk?
Domestic violence and sexual abuse can occur to people of any race, age, economic status or religion.

What about sexual abuse of children?
Sexual abuse is one of the most devastating types of child maltreatment. Sexual abuse of children involves the use, persuasion or coercion of a child to engage in sexual behavior. The abuser is typically a male the child knows.

What signs of sexual abuse should you look for in your child?

• Complaints of or hints about abuse or fear of abuse
• Bruises, bleeding, lacerations or irritation of external genitalia, anus, mouth or throat
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Pain with urination or pain, swelling, discharge or itching of genital area
• Changes in behavior not attributed to known causes
• There also may not be any outward signs of abuse

What should you do?
If you think your children are being sexually abused…

• Go to your doctor for assessment, ask for a referral to a social worker
• Find a safe place and take your children with you
• Call the police
• Do not listen to people who tell you not to worry

How can you prevent sexual abuse?

• Talk to your children and listen to their concerns.
• Be aware of inconsistencies in stories about injuries.
• Know about convicted sex offenders in your neighborhood by looking at the list published online or posted in the Agape Clinic.
• Be aware of potential abusive situations.

Questions? Talk with Agape staff or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233