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10 Signs of Child Abuse
Some signs that a child is experiencing violence or abuse are more obvious than others. Trust your instincts. Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact the authorities. You do not need proof.
If you suspect a child is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
- Unexplained injuries. Visible signs of physical abuse may include unexplained burns or bruises in the shape of objects. You may also hear unconvincing explanations of a child’s injuries.
- Changes in behavior. Abuse can lead to many changes in a child’s behavior. Abused children often appear scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive.
- Returning to earlier behaviors. Abused children may display behaviors shown at earlier ages, such as thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, fear of the dark or strangers. For some children, even loss of acquired language or memory problems may be an issue.
- Fear of going home. Abused children may express apprehension or anxiety about leaving school or about going places with the person who is abusing them.
- Changes in eating. The stress, fear and anxiety caused by abuse can lead to changes in a child’s eating behaviors, which may result in weight gain or weight loss.
- Changes in sleeping. Abused children may have frequent nightmares or have difficulty falling asleep, and as a result may appear tired or fatigued.
- Changes in school performance and attendance. Abused children may have difficulty concentrating in school or have excessive absences, sometimes due to adults trying to hide the children’s injuries from authorities.
- Lack of personal care or hygiene. Abused and neglected children may appear uncared for. They may look consistently dirty and have severe body odor, or they may lack sufficient clothing for the weather.
- Behaviors. Young people who are being abused may engage in high-risk activities such as using drugs or alcohol or carrying a weapon.
- Inappropriate sexual behaviors. Children who have been sexually abused may exhibit overly sexualized behavior or use explicit sexual language.
If you suspect a child has been abused...
DO:
- Keep calm.
- Tell the child you believe them.
- Show interest and concern.
- Reassure and support the child.
- Take action. It could save a child’s life.
DON’T
- Panic or overreact.
- Pressure the child.
- Confront the offender.
- Blame the child or minimize the child’s feelings.
- Overwhelm the child with questions.
What you can do to help prevent child abuse and neglect:
As a Parent
- Show your children that you love them.
- Give your children your undivided attention when they are talking to you.
- Spend time with your children. Talk with them, play with them, read and sing to them and plan family events with them.
- Know when and who to go to when you need help. No one says being a parent is easy!
As a Community
- Reach out and help a parent who is struggling. Offer to watch their children while they take some time for themselves.
- Remind anyone you think is having problems that asking for help is a sign of strength.
- Lend your time, skills, resources or money to help groups that prevent child abuse and neglect.
- Encourage clubs or other organizations to provide child care so parents can participate in activities.
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