April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Here are some signs that a child is being abused.
Signs of Physical Abuse
-
Unexplained changes in the child’s body or behavior
-
Injuries (bruise, burns, scratches etc.) that cannot be explained
-
“On alert” behavior, like if the child is waiting for something bad to happen
-
Shying away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home
- Appears to be afraid of adults
Signs of Emotional Abuse
-
Changes in behavior
-
Speech disorders
-
Developmental delays
-
Lack of attachment to the parent
-
Excessively withdrawn, fearful or anxious about doing something wrong
-
Acts like an adult (taking care of other children) or acting like a young child (rocking, thumb-sucking, tantrums)
-
Aggressive behavior
Signs of Sexual Abuse
-
Extreme sexual behavior that seems inappropriate for the child’s age
-
Sexual acting out on other children
-
Genital pain, itching, swelling or bleeding, as well as a sexually transmitted disease
-
Refusal to change for physical activities (e.g. P.E. class) or refusal to participate in physical activities
-
Fear of being alone with adults, especially of a particular gender
-
Suicide attempts
-
Trouble walking or sitting
-
Nightmares or bedwetting
-
Sudden changes in appetite
-
Fear of a particular person or family member
Neglect
-
Frequently absent from school
-
Stealing food or money
-
Poor hygiene
-
Lack of appropriate clothing for weather or season
-
Frequently unsupervised, left alone, or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments
-
Lacks needed medical or dental care
If you know a child that shows any of these signs, contact police or child services immediately.