Signs of Child Abuse

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/child_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm

Please visit this link for more information…the different types of abuse are defined and explained there as well.

What are the signs and symptoms of child abuse?

If you suspect child abuse, but aren't sure, look for clusters of the following physical and behavioral signs.

Some signs of physical abuse

    * Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises, or welts in the shape of an object
    * Bite marks
    * Anti-social behavior
    * Problems in school
    * Fear of adults
    * Drug or alcohol abuse
    * Self-destructive or suicidal behavior
    * Depression or poor self-image

Some signs of emotional abuse

    * Apathy
    * Depression
    * Hostility
    * Lack of concentration
    * Eating disorders

Some signs of sexual abuse

    * Inappropriate interest in or knowledge of sexual acts
    * Seductiveness
    * Avoidance of things related to sexuality, or rejection of own genitals or bodies
    * Nightmares and bed wetting
    * Drastic changes in appetite
    * Overcompliance or excessive aggression
    * Fear of a particular person or family member
    * Withdrawal, secretiveness, or depression
    * Suicidal behavior
    * Eating disorders
    * Self-injury

Sometimes there are no obvious physical signs of sexual abuse, and a physician must examine the child to confirm the abuse.

Some signs of neglect

    * Unsuitable clothing for weather
    * Being dirty or unbathed
    * Extreme hunger
    * Apparent lack of supervision

What are the causes of child abuse?

Why would someone abuse a child? What kind of person abuses a child? Not all abuse is deliberate or intended. Several factors in a person's life may combine to move them toward abusing a child:

    * general stress
    * the stress of having children in the family, when one didn't have children before
    * dealing with a child who has a disability or difficult behaviors
    * the stress of caring for someone besides oneself
    * a personal history of being abused (childhood trauma)
    * alcohol or drug use
    * marital conflict
    * unemployment

No one has been able to predict which of these factors will cause someone to abuse a child. A significant factor is that abuse tends to be intergenerational - those who were abused as children are more likely to repeat the act when they become parents or caretakers.

In addition, many forms of abuse arise from ignorance, isolation, or benign neglect. Sometimes a cultural tradition leads to abuse, for example, such beliefs as:

    * children are property
    * parents (especially males) have the right to control their children in any way they wish
    * children need to be toughened up to face the hardships of life
    * girls need to be genitally mutilated to assure virginity and later marriage.

What are the results of child abuse?

Child abuse can have the following dire consequences:

    * Your child may become someone who lies, resents, fears, and retaliates, rather than loves, trusts, and listens.
    * Your child may become reclusive, and alienated from you and from the rest of your family.
    * Your child will have low self-esteem, and is likely to engage in self-destructive behaviors.
    * Your child's psychological development and social behavior will be impaired.
    * As an adult, your child may abuse his or her own children, who are your grandchildren.
    * As an adult, your child may exclude you, including from celebrations and family gatherings. You may not be permitted to spend time with your grandchildren.

The results of being abused as a child vary according to the severity of the abuse and the surrounding environment of the child. If the social environment of the family or school is nurturing and supportive, the child will probably have a better outcome.

Results of physical abuse

Physical abuse may result in:

    * difficulty establishing intimate personal relationships
    * difficulty in adulthood with physical closeness, touching, intimacy, or trust
    * high levels of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, medical illness, or problems at school or work
    * becoming an abusive parent or caregiver

Results of emotional abuse

Emotional abuse can result in serious behavioral, cognitive, emotional, or mental disorders.

Results of sexual abuse

Some results of prolonged sexual abuse are:

    * low self-esteem
    * a feeling of worthlessness
    * an abnormal or distorted view of sex
    * personality disorders
    * difficulty relating to others except on sexual terms
    * tendency to become child abusers or prostitutes
    * other serious problems in adulthood

How can I get help if I am a child or teen who is being abused?

Call the National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)