If you want to help an abused or neglected children, then you have to know what to look for.The following below shows the signs to look for, but don't look for just these signs, because there are plenty more signs. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family, but looking deeper into the situation may be warranted when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination.
The Child:
- Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance
- 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
- Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home
The Parent:
- Shows little concern for the child
- Sees the child as entirely bad, or worthless.
- Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve
- Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs
Signs that recognizes sexual abuse are when the child:
Signs of physical abuse are when the child:
- Has difficulty walking or sitting
- Reports nightmares or bed wetting
- Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
- Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14
- Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
Has injuries such as burns, bruises, etc. and the child cannot explain where they got it. Has marks after returns from being absent from school. Shrinks at the approach of adults
Signs of neglect are when the child:
Is absent from school often. Begs or steals food or money Abuses alcohol or other drugs
Signs of Emotional Maltreatment are when the child:These signs are not all the signs to look for... If you suspect a child is being a victim of abuse the following sources are a few ways to report:
Shows a drastic change in emotions and reactions. Has thoughts/attempted suicide Reports a lack of attachment to the parent
- DSHS Children's Adminstration
- Child Welfare
- Dream Catchers for Abused Children
- And of course 911.
- Under our rainbow
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