WARNING SIGNS OF
TEEN SEXUAL
ABUSE
Teen sexual abuse is a serious public health problem. According to research, approximately one in four girls and one in 20 boys experience sexual abuse – and this abuse is usually committed by someone they know and trust. However, children and teens often don’t report sexual abuse, so these figures might underestimate the true extent of the problem.1
Sexual abuse can happen to anyone, anywhere – both in-person and online. However, teenagers are more at risk of sexual abuse than any other age group. Additionally, a teen might not fully understand what’s happening, or feel afraid to speak up for fear of judgment. For these reasons, teen sexual abuse can seriously impact a teen’s emotional and physical development, relationships, and future prospects. Teens who have experienced sexual abuse may also be more likely than their peers to develop mental health conditions.2
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, know that it is not your fault. You are also not alone – help and support options are available. To increase understanding of what teen sexual abuse is, its effects, and what support options are available, this article covers:
What teen sexual abuse is
Signs of sexual abuse in children and teens
The effects of sexual abuse on teenagers
Help and support options for teens who experienced sexual abuse
Information on therapy for sexual abuse survivors
When to seek help for teen sexual abuse
What Is Teen Sexual Abuse?
A child or teenager cannot give informed consent to a sexual act. This is because they neither understand the consequences of such a decision and are not developmentally prepared to make it. The age of consent in the United States differs between states, however many people who engaged in a sexual act at a young age say they felt persuaded or manipulated into doing so.4,5
Sexual abuse can feel like a deep wound to a teen. Even though, over time, the surface of the wound may heal and look normal, the damage underneath is still there, reminding them of what they’ve gone through. Teen sexual abuse can a have long-lasting impact on a teen’s emotional and behavioral development – and can affect their future opportunities if steps to manage trauma aren’t taken.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual abuse, support and help are available. Recognizing the signs of sexual abuse in children and teens can highlight if this is an issue you need guidance on.
Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children and Teens
The warning signs of sexual abuse in teens and children may depend on factors such as the person’s age, personality traits, and social support system. While some teens may show outward signs of sexual abuse, others may push these signs down out of fear of being judged or punished.6 For this reason, if you’re concerned about a teen, it’s important to openly communicate what sexual abuse is, that it’s safe to talk, and that they’re not to blame.
Even though children and teens may show different signs of sexual abuse, the following may be indicators of abuse in youth.
Emotional and Physical Symptoms of Sexual Abuse in Youth2,7
- Frequent stomach pains and headaches
- Regular sleep disturbances, such as insomnia and nightmares
- Seeming constantly tired or run down due to difficulties sleeping
- Changes in weight
- Mood shifts, such as sudden irritability, anger, or sadness – anything out of the ordinary for them
Behavioral Indicators of Sexual Abuse in Children and Teens2,7
- Fearful of or avoiding being alone with a certain person or people
- Using sexual language or behaviors that they shouldn’t be aware of
- Signs of physical abuse, such as bruises or bite marks
- Shifts in eating and sleeping patterns
- Not wanting to attend school
- Changes in self-care, such as paying less attention to their hygiene or appearance
- Talking about hurting themselves
- Aggression
Effects of Sexual Abuse on Teenagers
Teen sexual abuse can have a range of long-term effects on physical and mental health, education, and relationships. The extent of these effects may depend on who the abuse came from, how long it went on, and how severe it was – however, sexual abuse of any type can have a serious impact.
The following are potential long-term effects of sexual abuse in teens:
Mental Health Effects
Self-Esteem Problems
Issues With School
Physical Consequences
Relationship Difficulties
These long-term effects of teen sexual abuse highlight how important it is for teens experiencing abuse to have support and understanding. With the right help and treatment, teenagers who have been sexually abused can recover without lasting effects.
Help for Teens Who Experienced Sexual Abuse
If you’re concerned that someone you know is experiencing sexual abuse, it can help to let them know that you’re there for them. Support can mean different things to different people, so if a teen is open to talking to you about sexual abuse, the following steps can work as a guide:
- Don’t act shocked. A teen may internalize this reaction as judgment and not be willing to open up again.
- Validate them: It can be difficult for a teen to talk about abuse – they may worry about not being believed. Telling them things like “I believe you” can give them courage.
- Remind them that it’s not their fault: Teens may blame themselves for sexual abuse. It’s important to remind them that this is not the case.
- Let them know they have your support: Telling them that they’re not alone can provide them with a sense of security – they’ll know you’re there for them if they need you.
- Tell them that they’ll be OK: While confirming that what they’ve gone through must have been very hard, it’s good to reassure a teen that they’ve done the right thing by telling you – and that they’ll be OK.
- Offer to help them find support: Sexual abuse resources and therapy options can help a teen process sexual abuse. If they express that they want to report the abuse, you could offer to go with them. We provide some available resources for teens experiencing sexual abuse below, however, there may be local options depending on your whereabouts.
Therapy for Teenage Sexual Abuse Survivors
It can be difficult to overcome teen sexual abuse alone. Sexual abuse causes a range of challenging emotional, behavioral, and physical effects which can last for a long time after the abuse if not managed effectively. Professional mental health support and treatment can help a teen release self-blame, process their trauma, and learn healthy ways of coping with what they’ve gone through.
Additionally, therapy can offer a safe space for teens to learn that others can be trusted – they can release painful emotions without increasing distress or feeling caught in the traumatic events again. The best therapy approaches for sexual abuse trauma recovery include:
Trauma-focused CBT can help teens heal from sexual abuse and prevent long-term negative effects. It can guide teens in identifying thoughts, processing negative emotions, and developing coping skills.
EMDR uses a series of guided eye movements to desensitize teens to what they’ve experienced and help them reprocess trauma. Changing the way trauma is stored in the brain, EMDR allows a teen to heal from sexual abuse and build positive self-beliefs and coping skills.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT was adapted from CBT for people who struggle with strong or difficult emotions. It can help manage teen sexual abuse by teaching practical ways of managing emotions and stress.
TMS’ non-invasive approach can reduce the symptoms of sexual trauma by rebalancing the brain, promoting a more stable mood and better well-being.
Art Therapy
Art therapy allows teens to express their emotions through creative outlets such as drawing or painting. This allows some teens who struggle with talking about sexual abuse to bypass barriers associated with talk therapy.
Group therapy and support groups are also good options for teens who have gone through sexual abuse – and they often complement other forms of therapy. Groups of people who have shared similar experiences can help a teen not only see themselves as a “survivor,” but also that they’re not alone, and definitely not to blame.
When to Seek Help for Teen Sexual Abuse
If you or someone you care about is experiencing teen sexual abuse, it’s important to seek help. Teen sexual abuse can have a long-term impact, including emotional problems which can often manifest physically. Trauma can feel overwhelming for a teen, overshadowing their vision of a bright future. However, with the right support, information, understanding, and skills a teen can heal from sexual abuse and see a future beyond their trauma.
Seeking support for sexual abuse can feel scary – but asking for help is a sign of strength. Mission Prep is here to help. Our team of trained professionals offers specialized therapy for teen sexual abuse survivors in inpatient, outpatient, and intensive outpatient settings, basing our approach on each teen’s specific needs.
Healing from teen sexual abuse is not only possible – it is achievable. Contact us to learn more.
References
- Finkelhor, D., Shattuck, A., Turner, H. A., & Hamby S. L. (2014). The lifetime prevalence of child sexual abuse and sexual assault assessed in late adolescence. Journal of Adolescent Health, 55(3):329-33. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2013.12.026.
- Clarke, V., Goddard, A., Wellings, K., et al. (2023). Medium-term health and social outcomes in adolescents following sexual assault: A prospective mixed-methods cohort study. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 58(11), 1777–1793. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-021-02127-4
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Sexual exploitation and abuse: Preventing and addressing a problem with far-reaching consequences. https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/documents/ethics/sexual-exploitation-and-abuse-pamphlet-en.pdf
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). About child sexual abuse. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/child-abuse-neglect/about/about-child-sexual-abuse.html
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Statutory rape: A guide to state laws and reporting requirements. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. https://aspe.hhs.gov/reports/statutory-rape-guide-state-laws-reporting-requirements-1#_ftn2
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Effects of sexual abuse. Retrieved February 5, 2025, from https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/sexual-abuse/effects
- RAINN. (n.d.). Warning signs for teens. Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Retrieved February 3, 2025, from https://rainn.org/articles/warning-signs-teens
- Garnefski, N., & Diekstra, R. F. (1997). Child sexual abuse and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence: Gender differences. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 36(3), 323–329. https://doi.org/10.1097/00004583-199703000-00010
- Okunlola, O. B., Odukoya, J. A., & Gesinde, A. M. (2020). Outcomes of sexual abuse on self-esteem among adolescents: A systematic review. Cogent Social Sciences, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2020.1856296
- Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., … & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14, 245-258.
- National Institute for Health and Care Research. (2023). Sexual assault has lasting effects on teenagers’ mental health and education. https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/sexual-assault-lasting-effects-teenagers-mental-health-education/
