Which of the following is an indicator that a child may have been a victim of sexual abuse?

The presence of a development of an unusual rash in a private area is a significant indicator that a child may have been a victim of sexual abuse. Such physical symptoms can be associated with trauma or inappropriate contact, which necessitates further investigation. Health professionals often consider unexplained medical issues—especially those involving private areas—as red flags in cases of suspected abuse.

While frequent visits to the doctor may suggest health concerns, they do not specifically indicate abuse without additional context. Normal behavior around adults can be misleading, as not all abused children exhibit obvious signs or behavioral changes. Seeking attention from peers may be a part of normal developmental behavior for many children, and by itself, does not provide strong evidence of abuse. Therefore, the development of an unusual rash warrants immediate attention and should be examined closely in the context of potential abuse scenarios.