Text-Only Version

Slide 1

Staying Safe: Recognizing the Signs of Physical and Sexual Abuse

Slide 2

What is abuse?

• Physical abuse happens when someone hurts you on purpose in ways that cause injury or pain.
• Sexual abuse is when someone touches you in ways or places that make you feel uncomfortable.

Slide 3

Who are abusers?

• You can be abused by a stranger or by someone you know.
• This can sometimes make it hard to tell whether you are being abused.

Slide 4

If you have a developmental disability, you are at special risk.

• You may depend on others to help with your personal physical needs-like bathing and dressing.
• You may have trouble:
• Understanding what is happening right away, or
• Making others understand that you have been abused.

Slide 5

It may be hard for you to tell when someone else is being abused.

• They may be afraid to tell you.
• They may not know what words to use to tell you what has happened.
• By watching out for the signs of abuse, you can help yourself and others who may be abused, even if you are not sure abuse has happened.

Slide 6

Here are some reasons to believe that someone is being abused:

• A person who is being abused may:
• Act upset for a long time
• Change their behavior or mood
• Seem frightened of people or places
• Become violent
• Not want to talk to anyone

Slide 7

Here are some signs of physical abuse:

• Reasons to believe that someone is being physically abused include:
• Unexplained burns, bites, or broken bones
• A person harming himself, or herself
• Aggressive behavior
• Problems at school or work
• Depression

Slide 8

Here are some signs of sexual abuse:

• Reasons to believe that someone is being sexually abused include:
• Bruises around breasts or genital areas
• Unexplained sexual infections
• Torn, stained, or bloody clothing
• Nightmares and bed wetting
• Fear of sexuality
• Self-injury

Slide 9

There are things you can do to be safe.

• If you have a good reason to believe that you, or someone you know, is being abused, tell someone you trust!
• You can tell anyone who you think will help you:
• A family member or friend
• A direct support professional
• Your service coordinator
• The police
• A doctor or nurse

End of Presentation