Love_N_Peace
05-17-2010, 07:05 PM
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.
10 common signs of child abuse:
* Unexplained injuries. Visible signs of physical abuse may include unexplained burns or bruises.
* Changes in 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 Abused children often appear scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive.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.
* 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.
* Risk-taking 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.
(Share the Signs with others. Help Save A Child!)
Love & Peace
10 common signs of child abuse:
* Unexplained injuries. Visible signs of physical abuse may include unexplained burns or bruises.
* Changes in 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 Abused children often appear scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive.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.
* 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.
* Risk-taking 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.
(Share the Signs with others. Help Save A Child!)
Love & Peace