Recognizing the Signs of Childhood Sexual Abuse
It is difficult to determine the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse because it is not often reported. Current statistics show that one in four girls and one in six boys are survivors of childhood sexual abuse.[1]
Maryland has defined childhood sexual abuse as an act that involves the sexual molestation or exploitation of a minor, whether physical injuries are sustained or not.
This includes incest, rape, sexual offenses in any degree, and any other sexual conduct that is a crime.[2]
Maryland has expanded the legal options for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. They did so by passing the Maryland Child Victims Act of 2023, which gives survivors the right to file lawsuits related to the abuse, no matter how long ago the abuse occurred.[3]
When Children ‘Act Out’ or ‘Act In’: Understanding Behavioral Changes After Abuse
It can be challenging for survivors to come forward, and difficult for parents or guardians to recognize the signs of sexual abuse in girls and boys. Some children may begin to “act out” after their sexual abuse. This may include behavior problems, such as running away or cruelty towards others.
Some children may begin to “act in” after their sexual abuse. This may include becoming depressed and withdrawing from friends and family.
Some children may show signs of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including agitated behavior, nightmares, and repetitive play. PTSD from sexual assault is very common in survivors.
Some children may also lose developmental skills and show regressive behavior. This can include bed-wetting and thumb-sucking.[4]
Without proper intervention, long-term symptoms may persist in adulthood. It is crucial for parents and guardians to offer non-judgmental support.
Breaking the Silence: Helping Children Heal After Sexual Abuse
The first step in offering a supportive healing process after childhood sexual abuse is to believe a survivor when they disclose that something happened to them. Not everyone processes trauma in the same way.
Some survivors may be calm when they disclose what happened to them, while some survivors may be highly emotional. Neither response is an indication of the severity of sexual abuse or how sexual abuse affected the survivor.
It is important for parents and guardians to support the survivor and not attempt to interpret the survivor’s emotional response when they disclose.
Saying things such as “I believe you” or “It took a lot of courage to tell me about this”[5] can show a survivor of childhood sexual assault that you are there to assist in their healing journey.
The Power of Reassurance: Supporting Survivors Through Their Journey
Another important step is to assure the survivor that the sexual abuse was not their fault. Many survivors report feeling a surreal feeling after the sexual abuse. This can cause a survivor to feel separate or isolated from their peers.[6]
This isolation can cause a survivor to blame themselves, or fear that they may be in trouble if the sexual abuse is uncovered.
Parents and guardians can assure a survivor that they are not at fault by reminding the survivor that they did not do anything to deserve what happened to them.[7]
This may have to be reiterated multiple times, as the healing process is not linear.
Additionally, it is key to remind the survivor that they are not alone. This can be done by being there for them and reminding them that you are willing to listen to their story.
It is also helpful to introduce resources and service providers who may be able to help a survivor on a professional level.
This can include doctors, therapists, or social workers who are trained to assist survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Parents and guardians can also acknowledge that the experience has affected the life of the survivor. This communicates empathy and shows that you care about the survivor.
Supporting Survivors: Steps to Help Heal After Sexual Abuse
Lastly, it is important to remember that there is no timeline for healing. While going through the healing process, remember to avoid judgment.
Eliminate phrases or statements that might make the survivor feel as if they are behind on their healing journey, such as “you have been acting like this for a while” or “how much longer will you feel this way?”[8]
Parents and guardians can check in with the survivor periodically to remind them that they are not alone. Remember to know your resources. The healing journey is not one that is meant to be taken alone.
The Yost Legal Group: A Safe Place for Survivors Seeking Justice
At The Yost Legal Group, we know that coming forward about childhood sexual abuse is one of the bravest steps a survivor can take.
Our sexual abuse attorneys are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive space for survivors of institutional childhood sexual abuse across Maryland.
We listen with compassion, and we fight fiercely for justice on your behalf—holding abusers and the institutions that enabled them accountable.
Childhood sexual abuse can happen anywhere children should feel safe and protected. In Maryland, we have seen cases arise in a wide range of institutions, including:
– Public and Private Schools: Abuse can occur in classrooms, locker rooms, or during extracurricular activities, often perpetrated by teachers, coaches, or staff.
– After-School Programs and Youth Organizations: Trusted mentors or volunteers may take advantage of their positions to harm children in clubs, camps, or sports leagues.
– Religious Schools and Programs: Faith-based settings, such as churches, synagogues, religious schools, or youth groups, can be manipulated by abusers who use authority and trust to silence victims.
– Doctors’ Offices and Hospitals: Medical professionals are in positions of trust and authority, and unfortunately, some have exploited this to abuse children during exams or treatments.
– Foster Care and Group Homes: Vulnerable children in foster care or group homes may be targeted by caregivers or older children in the system.
– Other Community Institutions: Libraries, community centers, and even online educational platforms can be settings where abuse occurs.
Would You Like a Free and Confidential Consultation to Seek Justice?
If you or someone you love is a victim of sexual abuse in any of these settings, please know you are not alone. The Yost Legal Group is helping sexual assault victims understand their rights. And guide you through every step of the legal process.
We offer free, confidential consultations, and you can reach us anytime at (800)-YOST-LAW, (800)-967-8529, or by text at 1-410-659-6800.
We will file a sexual abuse claim against the institution that allowed the sexual trauma. Contact our sexual abuse lawyers for guidance.
Your voice matters. You deserve justice, and we are committed to helping you find it.
Let us be your advocates—together, we can hold abusers and negligent institutions accountable and help you move forward with strength and support.
Clergy Sexual Abuse – Sexual Assault Lawyers – Child Abuse Lawyer
Childhood sexual abuse Lawyer – Sexual Abuse Lawsuit – Statutory Rape
[1] Whealin, J., & Barnett, E. (2018, August 20). Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Child Sexual Abuse. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/sexual_abuse_child.asp
[2] Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 3-602 (West)
[3] Maryland Child Victims Act: Removing time limitations. Maryland Child Victims Act: Removing Time Limitations. (2025, June 22). https://www.peoples-law.org/maryland-child-victims-act-removing-time-limitations
[4] Whealin, J., & Barnett, E. (2018, August 20). Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Child Sexual Abuse. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/type/sexual_abuse_child.asp
[5] Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault. RAINN. (n.d.). https://rainn.org/articles/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault
[6] Common Victim Behaviors of Survivors of Sexual Abuse. Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect. (n.d.). https://pcar.org/blog/common-victim-behaviors-survivors-sexual-abuse
[7] Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault. RAINN. (n.d.). https://rainn.org/articles/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault
[8] Tips for Talking with Survivors of Sexual Assault. RAINN. (n.d.). https://rainn.org/articles/tips-talking-survivors-sexual-assault