Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) Child Abuse and Neglect (CAAN) Practice Exam

Difficulty in walking or sitting can be a significant indicator of physical distress and is often associated with experiences of sexual abuse in children. This symptom may arise from trauma to the genital or anal areas, which can result in discomfort or pain when a child attempts to walk or sit. Additionally, behavioral changes may accompany these physical indicators, as children may instinctively modify their movements to alleviate pain or express distress related to their experiences.

Other options, while they may reflect various indicators of neglect or emotional struggles, do not specifically point to sexual abuse. Unattended medical needs might indicate neglect or lack of access to care but does not necessarily imply abuse. Failure to thrive can occur due to a variety of issues, including psychological or physical conditions unrelated to sexual abuse. Similarly, begging for or stealing food usually suggests issues related to hunger or domestic instability rather than sexual abuse. These points highlight the unique relevance of difficulty in walking or sitting as a potential physical sign of sexual abuse.