A child who's being abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. He or she may be afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent, other relative or family friend. In fact, the child may have an apparent fear of parents, adult caregivers or family friends. That's why it's vital to watch for red flags, such as:
Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention
Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes.
Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
Lacks adult supervision
Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and/or does not want to go home
Depression, anxiety or unusual fears or a sudden loss of self-confidence
An apparent lack of supervision
Frequent absences from school or reluctance to ride the school bus
Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he or she doesn't want to go home
Attempts at running away
Rebellious or defiant behavior
Attempts at suicide
Specific signs and symptoms depend on the type of abuse and can vary. Keep in mind that warning signs are just that — warning signs. The presence of warning signs doesn't necessarily mean that a child is being abused.
Physical abuse signs and symptoms
Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
Injuries that don't match the given explanation
Untreated medical or dental problems
Sexual abuse signs and symptoms
Sexual behavior or knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age
Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection
Blood in the child's underwear
Statements that he or she was sexually abused
Trouble walking or sitting or complaints of genital pain
Abuse of other children sexually
Emotional abuse signs and symptoms
Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm
Depression
Headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
Desperately seeks affection
A decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school
Loss of previously acquired developmental skills
Neglect signs and symptoms
Poor growth or weight gain
Poor hygiene
Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs
Taking food or money without permission
Eating a lot in one sitting or hiding food for later
Poor record of school attendance
Lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental or psychological problems or lack of necessary follow-up care
Emotional swings that are inappropriate or out of context to the situation
Indifference
Parental behavior
Sometimes a parent's demeanor or behavior sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:
Shows little concern for the child
Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in the child
Denies that any problems exist at home or school, or blames the child for the problems
Consistently blames, belittles or berates the child and describes the child with negative terms, such as "worthless" or "evil"
Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves
See the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome
Looks primarily to the child for care, attention and satisfaction of emotional needs
Expects the child to provide him or her with attention and care and seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child
Uses harsh physical discipline or asks teachers to do so
Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
Severely limits the child's contact with others
Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries or no explanation at all
If you need help
Visit ONE PLACE Family Justice Center at 530 S. Lawrence Street, Montgomery, Alabama or call 334.262.7378 or if you are in immediate danger Call 911.
