Sexual

Sexual abuse is the involvement of vulnerable adults in sexual activities, which they do not fully comprehend, to which they are unable to give consent, either verbally or by their behaviour, to which they object or which may cause them harm.

POTENTIAL INDICATORS OF SEXUAL ABUSE

The following list may be indicators of many different problems - it is important not to jump to conclusions too quickly, some of the indicators could be as follows:

Sudden change in behaviour
Sudden onset of confusion
Incontinence
Withdrawal
Overt sexual behaviour / language by the vulnerable adult
Self-inflicted injury
Disturbed sleep pattern / poor concentration
Difficulty in walking
Torn, stained underwear
Love bites
Pain or itching, bruising or bleeding in the genital area
Sexually transmitted disease / urinary tract / vaginal infection
Bruising to upper thighs and arms
Frequent infection
Severe upset or agitation when being bathed etc.
Pregnancy in a person unable to consent