|
About
Child Abuse:
Signs of child abuse
Physical
Abuse
Does the child...?
- 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withdrawn and compliant or overly aggressive
Do the parents or other adult caregivers...?
- offer conflicting,
unconvincing, or no explanations for the
child's injury
- describe the child as
"evil," or in some other very
negative way
- use harsh physical
discipline with the hild
- have a history of
abuse as a child
Neglect
Does the child...?
- frequently miss school
- beg or steal food or
money from friends or classmates
- lack needed medical or
dental care, immunizations, or
glasses
- appear consistently
dirty or have severe body odor
- lack sufficient
appropriate clothing for the weather
- abuse alcohol or other
drugs
- state that there is no
one at home to provide care
Do the parents or adult caregiver...?
- appear to be
indifferent to the child
- seem apathetic or
depressed
- behave irrationally or
in a bizarre manner
- abuse alcohol or other
drugs
Sexual
Abuse
Does the child...?
- have difficulty
walking or sitting
- suddenly refuse to
change for gym or to participate in
physical activities
- demonstrate bizarre,
sophisticated, or unusual sexual
knowledge or behavior
- have a venereal
disease/has the child become pregnant
(particularly if under age 14)
- run away from home
- report sexual abuse
Do the parents or other adult caregivers...?
- appear unduly
protective of the child, severely limiting the
child's contact with other children, especially the opposite sex
- seem secretive or
isolated
- describe marital
difficulties involving family power
struggles or sexual relations
Emotional
Maltreatment
Does the child...?
- show extremes in
behavior, such as overly compliant or
demanding behavior, extreme passivity or aggression
- display behaviors
which 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
- report a lack of
attachment to the parent
Do the parents or adult caregivers...?
- 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 are not posing difficulties for teachers or other
adults.
|
