Signs of Child Abuse

One of the fast emerging criminal type of cases is related to child abuse. A few years back, one would have found it hard to imagine that child abuse does exist. In the recent years, there has been a considerable increase in cases related to child abuse. Not just in United States, but thousands of children, all over the world, are being abused according to the child abuse statistics. One should look out for signs of child abuse as it can help save a child from the sufferings. If you are a teacher, social activist, grandparent, aunt, uncle, elder sibling, family friend or even an acquaintance; it is important to watch out for the warning signs of child abuse.

Child abuse is the worst form of treatment one can mete out to a child. The child is scarred for life, mentally, emotionally as well as physically. It can lead to irreparable damage to the young mind and body. In some cases, it leads to a tragic loss of young life. Ignoring signs of child abuse is a crime. If you are worried that someone you know is suffering from abuse at the hands of their parents, guardians or some other person, then make sure you seek help from authorities. If you are wondering what are the signs of child abuse and neglect, then go through the following list.

Types of Child Abuse

Child abuse is not always broken bones and unexplained bruises. There are different types of child abuse like emotional abuse, educational abuse, sexual abuse, neglect and so on, apart from physical abuse. Let us have a look at the different types to understand the signs of child abuse better.

Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse is the one when the parent or the abuser constantly shames, humiliates and belittles a child. The child is always compared with others and told he/she is worthless, bad or a mistake. The child is threatened or yelled at frequently and suffers from verbal abuse. The child is never given a kiss or a hug or shown any kind of parental affection. The child is ignored as a punishment and given frequent silent treatments. Some people abuse other siblings or pets in front of the child, emotionally hurting the child.

Medical Abuse
Medical abuse is the one when the parent or caregiver fails to provide the child with the necessary medical treatments. This includes failure to take the child for immunizations, visit to the doctor when ill, not providing the child with the required medications, etc.

Neglect
Neglect is the type of child abuse where the basic requirements of the child are not fulfilled. This includes failure to provide the child with proper clothes, food, hygiene and giving the child all the attention and care he/she needs. These child do not display any visible signs of child abuse, but tend to suffer from mental and emotional pain.

Educational Abuse
Educational abuse is the one when the parent or caregiver does not send the child to school or does not provide the child with the special education if required. The child's educational need are overlooked and the child has to suffer due to this neglect.

Physical Abuse
One of the most commonly observed signs of child abuse is physical trauma. The child may begin to have more fractures than other children. Bruises are commonly observed, so are swelling and inflammation of muscles. Bleeding from wounds, bite marks, shaking or hitting are common signs of physical abuse. This abuse may lead to temporary or permanent disfigurement or disability on the child. In extreme cases of abuse, it may lead to death.

Sexual Abuse
One of the most pervert and horrific scenarios can be sexual abuse in children. Sexual abuse is more often a hidden abuse as it is not possible to see the tell-tale signs of this monstrous act. Sexual abuse is not always related to having a sexual intercourse. But, it can also include fondling, indecent exposure, making the child see sexually suggestive pictures and videos, etc.

What are the Signs of Child Abuse

Each types of child abuse will show some signs in children indicating the suffering. It is very important that as a responsible member of the society, one keeps an eye and understands the various warning signs of child abuse and neglect. The following list will cover the warning signs of child abuse and neglect according to the type of abuse.

Physical Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect

• The child suffers from unexplained bruises, burns or black eyes
• Frequently suffers from bone fractures
• The child remains absent from school for long periods
• Fading bruises or marks of trauma on the child's body
• The child avoids the parents or caregivers
• Does not like going home after school
• Is frightened when approached by adults
• Parents give conflicting explanations for the injuries
• Parents or caregivers have a history of child abuse themselves
• Begins to have problems in school with grades and other children
• Anti-social behavior

Emotional Signs of Child Abuse

• The child begins to develop an extremely complaining or demanding behavior
• The child becomes suddenly passive or aggressive in behavior
• The child shows infantile behavior like head banging, sucking thumb, eating hair, rocking, etc.
• Attempts suicide
• Begins to self depreciate like use words as 'I'm worthless, stupid', etc.
• Begins to say 'I deserve this' when hurt
• Suddenly starts stammering or shuttering
• Shows physical, mental and emotional downfall

Signs of Neglect

• The child is always hungry
• Shows poor personal hygiene
• The clothes are too old or dirty or ragged
• The child is forever feeling tired
• Suffers from untreated medical problems
• Compulsive scavenging
• Has no social contact
• Turns destructive

Sexual Signs of Child Abuse

• The child begins to have difficulty walking and sitting
• Starts bed wetting or having nightmares
• The child suffers from change in appetite, either begins to eat a lot or stop eating altogether
• Begins to show interest or have knowledge about sexual acts
• Avoids taking part in a physical activity or change clothes around others
• Develops an STD infection or becomes pregnant which true, especially in cases of girls under 14 years
• Runs away from home
• Is scared or uncomfortable when a particular person is around

Signs of Child Abuse in Toddlers

A toddler being abused may seen unfathomable for most of us. However, it is possible and one should watch out for signs of child abuse in toddlers. The toddler may lack the communication skills to explain what he/she has gone through or may not understand the gravity of the situation. However, they will show behavioral changes indicating child abuse. You should see if the child avoids going to his day care center or near his/her nanny. In some cases, the child may cling on to a parent or caregiver when leaving them at daycare. A toddler may even avoid the caregiver or parent if he/she is being abused at home. The child may show signs of physical abuse repeatedly.

An emotionally abused toddler may become very passive. He may even become very demanding and show delayed physical and emotional development. This means the child will walk or talk much later than other children of his/her age. Sexual abuse is also possible with toddlers. The toddler may have pain or itching around his/her genitals. You may find the child is sitting oddly or shows signs of pain while passing urine.

Signs of Child Abuse in Adults

You can spot signs of child abuse in adults and understand something is just not right. The adult may be either the parent, caregivers, relative, teacher or family friend of the child. The adult may show no concern for child, especially in case of abusive parents and caregivers. The parent blames the child for all the problems faced by them. They punish the child with harsh physical punishments when the child misbehaves. The adult thinks of the child as a worthless being and a mistake. They do not care for the child's emotional, physical or basic needs. The child too, tries and avoid the adult as much as possible.

These are some of the warning signs of child abuse that you should watch out for. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child you know, call the local Department of Children and Families, or Child Helpcare in your locality. You can even contact police for help and discuss your doubts. Do not ignore child abuse happening around you. There are many adverse psychological effects of child abuse that may ruin the child's life. Different types of child abuse may be meted out to one child. Therefore, you may spot a combination of signs of child abuse in the victim. You may think of it as a sticky situation, but it will help save a young one from getting scarred for life. Hope, you have found helpful information on signs of child abuse and neglect from the above paragraphs.