Sexual abuse can be defined as contacts between a child and an adult in which the child is used for sexual stimulation of the perpetrator or another person. It may be heterosexual or homosexual and may range from intercourse to voyeurism. Physical symptoms of sexual abuse include pregnancy, genital or urinary infection, venereal disease, and suspicious discomfort in the genital or anal region. Sexual abuse also often results in changes in the child's social or academic behaviors. Young children may evidence signs of abuse through art or sociodramatic play. More subtle indicators may include depression, low self-esteem, self-imposed isolation from peers, inappropriate sexual acting out, substance abuse, and running away. The last and most important indicator of sexual abuse is disclosure of the maltreatment to a trustworthy adult. Educators who suspect or know a child is being abused should first notify the appropriate State agency. In addition, they should show genuine concern for the student, allow the student to openly express feelings and fears, reassure the student, provide learning activities and experiences that maintain the student's normal status in the class and bolster self-esteem, respect and maintain the student's privacy, and interact closely and cooperatively with professionals trained to work with sexually abused children. 20 references.