Definition
Child abuse is behavior directed toward children that results in harm or injury, or that seriously interferes with normal child development.

Child abuse happens when parents lose control of their anger and children are injured. This happens in several ways: persistent verbal aggression and criticism; inappropriate sexual behavior; physical aggression that injures; or the omission of necessary care. Most children are injured by people they know and who care for them.

Child abuse interferes with healthy child development. Children are forced to develop ways of coping with violence that limit their functioning as teens and adults. Child abuse is more common than you might think. It is estimated that 3 million children are abused each year. Between 3 and 10 million more witness domestic violence. Witnessing violence is traumatic for a child.

Types of Child Abuse
Children can experience physical abuse (non-accidental physical injury); neglect (withdrawal of or failure to provide the basic necessities for physical growth and development); sexual abuse (physical or non-physical sexual contact between a child and an adult or older child for the sexual gratification of the offender); or emotional abuse (adult behavior that attacks a child's emotional development and sense of self-worth).

Signs of Child Abuse
Physical abuse can present obvious symptoms. The child may have unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes; have fading bruises or other noticeable marks; seem frightened of a parent or guardian, or cry when it is time to go home from school; shrink at the approach of adults; report injury by a parent or caregiver; seem unusually withdrawn and compliant, or overly aggressive. Parents or other adult caregivers may offer conflicting, unconvincing explanations—or no explanation at all— for the child's injury; may describe the child as "evil," or in other very negative terms; use harsh physical discipline; or have a history of abuse as a child.

Neglect
Neglect may be present if the child frequently misses school; begs or steals food or money from friends or classmates; lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses; appears consistently dirty or has severe body odor; lacks adequate clothing for the weather; abuses alcohol or other drugs; or states that there is no one at home to provide care. Parents or adult caregivers may appear to be indifferent to the child; seem apathetic or depressed; behave irrationally or in a bizarre manner; or abuse alcohol or other drugs.

Sexual Abuse
In cases of sexual abuse, the child may have difficulty walking or sitting; suddenly refuse to change clothes for gym or to participate in physical activities; demonstrate bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior; contract a venereal disease or become pregnant (particularly if under age 14); run away from home; or report sexual abuse. Parents or other adult caregivers may appear unduly protective of the child, severely limiting the child's contact with other children, especially with the opposite sex; seem secretive or isolated; describe marital difficulties involving family power struggles or sexual relations.

Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse may be present if the child shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, or extreme passivity or aggression; display behaviors that are inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequent rocking or head-banging, for example); seem delayed in physical or emotional development; speak of or attempt suicide; or report a lack of attachment to the parent. Parents or adult caregivers may constantly blame, belittle, or berate the child; appear unconcerned about the child or refuse to consider offers of help for the child's school problems; overtly reject the child

This brief list of symptoms and indicators is neither conclusive nor comprehensive. While it is difficult to be certain that these signs result from abuse, they do provide reason for concern and suggest that further evaluation or assessment may be needed.

It is important to realize that an abused child may be quiet, cooperative, and overachieving. Such children may not receive much attention, as they pose no difficulties for teachers or other adults.