Noticing Signs of Abuse
It is not only the responsibility of mandated reporters to report abuse, but it takes all of use to keep our children safe. Whether it is a friend of your child or maybe a child that attends the same church as you, we should all learn to recognize the signs of child abuse. Below we will learn how we can notice signs of suspected abuse.
Signs of abuse can manifest in a child in several different ways depending on the abuse that they are suffering from. According to the organization Child Welfare Information Gateway, below is a listing of some of the possible signs of abuse according to the type of abuse they may be suffering from:
Physical Abuse
- Unexplained bruises, burns, bites, broken bones, or black eyes
- Frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
- Shrinks at the approach of adults Abuses animals or pets
Neglect
- Absent from school frequently
- Begs and or steals food or money
- Lacks medical and or dental care
- Lacks good body hygiene
- Does not have proper clothing for the weather
Sexual Abuse
- Has difficulty walking and or sitting
- Refuses to change for gym or participate in physical activities
- Nightmares or bed wetting
- Sudden change in appetite
- Demonstrates sexual knowledge or behavior
- Becomes pregnant, especially if under the age of 14
- Runs away
Emotional Maltreatment
- Demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression
- Inappropriately parenting or inappropriately infantile
- Delayed in both physical and emotional development
- Attempts of suicide
- Lack of attachment to the parent
We can also look at the parent or caregiver for signs of abuse as well. Child Welfare Information Gateway has also provided a list of some of the signs they may display when abuse is happening in the home. I have listed the signs below according to the type of abuse:
Physical Abuse
- Unable to provide an explanation for a child’s injury
- Refers to the child as evil or in a negative way
- Uses harsh physical discipline
- History of abusing animals or pets
Neglect
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Behaves irrationally
- Seems apathetic or depressed
Sexual Abuse
- Limits child’s contact with other children
- Overly protective
- Secretive and Isolated
- Jealous and controlling of the family
Emotional Maltreatment
- Blames, belittles or berates the child
- Unconcerned about the child
- Rejects the child
These are not the only signs that we can look for, but just some of them. If you would like to read the full article published by Child Welfare Information Gateway, please visit the link below.
Always remember that if you suspect abuse, no matter what form it may be, pick up the phone and report it. The report will be investigated and and if unfounded then all you did was your part in keeping our children safe. Here is the National Child Abuse Hotline.
