What type of injuries may suggest sexual abuse has occurred?

Unexplained injuries or abdominal pain can be significant indicators that suggest the possibility of sexual abuse. In cases of such abuse, individuals may not be able to provide a coherent explanation for their injuries, or the explanations might be inconsistent with the nature of the injuries present. For instance, injuries in genital or abdominal areas, particularly if there are no logical or clear causes, could raise flags for healthcare providers or social workers who are trained to recognize signs of abuse. The presence of these unexplained issues can lead to further investigation to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual involved.

In contrast, common healing wounds do not typically imply abuse, as they usually represent injuries that are part of everyday life and do not carry the same connotations of trauma as unexplained injuries. Reported injuries may also lack the ambiguity that characterizes situations of abuse, as they often have clear circumstances surrounding them. Minor discomforts with no visible signs, while concerning, do not provide the same level of evidence suggesting past abuse as do unexplained, significant injuries or pain.