Where to Look for Warning Signs - Social Events

There are clues in the behavior of abused kids when they are in unstructured social situations that may reveal Warning Signs of childhood sexual abuse.

Click a specific Warning Sign below to dig deeper. You’ll see an explanation, and a Toolkit built specifically for each Warning Sign. Just order the free Tools and get started helping a vulnerable child!

Dominates or allows dominance by peers

Always has peers close by for protection
Attention seeking with sexually provocative behavior
Extreme shyness, isolated

Escapes from loud or chaotic settings
Speaks little for fear of revealing their abuse, or because “someone will find out”

Apologizes excessively and unnecessarily

Boasts excessively though clearly insecure

Emotional expression is muted, shows no enthusiasm

Distressed if persona of perfection is disturbed

Preoccupied with rescuing peers to detriment of self, especially if fearful or feels compelled