What is child abuse and neglect?
—– Child abuse isn’t just about black eyes. While physical abuse is shocking due to the marks it leaves, not all signs of child abuse are as obvious. Ignoring a child’s needs, putting them in unsupervised, dangerous situations, exposing them to sexual situations, or making them feel worthless or stupid are also forms of child abuse and neglect—and they can leave deep, lasting scars on kids.
Warning signs of child abuse and neglect:
(1)Warning signs of emotional abuse
The child may:
—– Be excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong.
Show extremes in behavior (extremely compliant, demanding, passive, aggressive).
—– Not seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver.
—– Act either inappropriately adult (taking care of other children) or inappropriately infantile (thumb-sucking, throwing tantrums).
(2)Warning signs of physical abuse
The child may:
—– Have frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts. Their injuries may appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt.
—– Be always watchful and “on alert,” as if waiting for something bad to happen.
Shy away from touch, flinch at sudden movements, or seem afraid to go home.
Wear inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as long-sleeved shirts on hot days.
(3)Warning signs of child neglect
The child may:
—– Wear ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate clothing for the weather.
—– Have consistently bad hygiene (unbathed, matted and unwashed hair, noticeable body odor).
—– Have untreated illnesses and physical injuries.
—– Be frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations.
—– Be frequently late or missing from school.
(4)Warning signs of sexual abuse in children
The child may:
—– Have trouble walking or sitting.
—– Display knowledge of sexual acts inappropriate for their age, or even exhibit seductive behavior.
—– Make strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an obvious reason.
Not want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities.
Have an STD or pregnancy, especially if th
ey’re under the age of 14.
—–Try to run away from home.
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