It is possible that children alleged to have been sexually abused may not have any signs of genital or anal injury.

It is possible that children alleged to have been sexually abused may not have any signs of genital or anal injury.

• A. False
• B. Some signs may be present
• C. True
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that lack of visible physical injury does not rule out sexual abuse. It is possible for a child who has been sexually abused to have no signs of genital or anal injury, because injuries may not occur, may be internal, may heal before examination, or may result from non-penetrative acts that don't leave visible trauma. In practice, abuse is assessed using a combination of disclosures, behaviors, patterns, and developmental or emotional indicators—not just the presence of physical injuries. Therefore, the statement is true: it’s possible for alleged abuse to occur without any signs of genital or anal injury.

The key idea is that lack of visible physical injury does not rule out sexual abuse. It is possible for a child who has been sexually abused to have no signs of genital or anal injury, because injuries may not occur, may be internal, may heal before examination, or may result from non-penetrative acts that don't leave visible trauma. In practice, abuse is assessed using a combination of disclosures, behaviors, patterns, and developmental or emotional indicators—not just the presence of physical injuries. Therefore, the statement is true: it’s possible for alleged abuse to occur without any signs of genital or anal injury.