Child abuse is rampant in our society today and the only way to stop it is to know what the signs are. Too many teachers and neighbors are unaware of the symptoms and don´t realize until it´s too late. By educating people everywhere on how to recognize child abuse, it can be stopped. Symptoms of child abuse depend greatly on the type of abuse.
There are four main types of child abuse, physical, sexual, emotional and neglect. As physical abuse is often the most obvious, it also tends to be the most often reported. Neglect is possibly one of the more noxious forms of abuse, where the child is denied basic necessities, including love, food and care.
Physical abuse is any form of physical aggression against a child. This can include hitting or kicking and biting, or it may involve more extreme and pathological methods of inflicting pain, such as burning with cigarettes or whipping and cutting. Physical abusers often act in a fit of rage and the child is generally too afraid to ask for help. When asked, a physically abused child will come up with an excuse (often unbelievable) as to how he or she was injured. Thousands of children die from physical abuse every year because no one noticed or bothered to report what they saw.
Children who have been physically abused may seem fearful, especially when with their abuser. They tend not to trust adults and will flinch at sudden movements. Physically abused children also prefer not to return home and may linger abnormal amounts of time at the store or school in order to avoid returning to the place of abuse. In some cases, repeated or excessive injuries may be noted, but many children are very good at hiding these.
Sexual abuse is far more common than we are led to believe. Up to 1 in 4 children is sexually abused before reaching adulthood and in many cases, the abuser is someone they know! Sexual abuse doesn´t have to involve the actual act, any inappropriate touching or fondling or even exposure is considered to be sexual abuse. This may be a one time occurance, or it may continue for years. Children are often shamed into silence by their abuser, told that they are “evil” or “dirty” and that no one will want them if they say anything.
Signs of sexual abuse include inappropriately sexual behavior in young children, extreme aggression or compliance, and possibly rage. Sexually abused children also tend to either be quite seductive or they reject anything that might be considered sexual, including their own bodies. They may also show fear at the sight of their abuser.
Emotional abuse is one of the most hidden forms of abuse and the most difficult to prove. This form of abuse includes yelling or screaming at a child, making him feel insignificant. Abusers seek to control their victims by making them feel worthless and helpless, often telling them they are stupid or unwanted. Displays of affection are withheld when the abuser believes the child is wrong and although it leaves no physical scars, the damage of emotional abuse is deep and long-lasting.
Children who suffer from emotional abuse tend to be depressed and may show signs of confusion when asked to make a decision. They may also be very dependent on the moods and decisions of one parent in particular. An emotionally abused child will show signs of hostility, although they may be somewhat suppressed.
Neglect is the final abuse that we will look at. It consists of simply not providing for the child. Basic necessities are not given, whether they be food, water, or regular care. Love is virtually nonexistent in the neglected child´s life. The child may be left for days on his own without any provisions being made.
You can recognize a neglected child by the lack of attention paid to his appearance and care. He will seem to be completely unsupervised and dirty, unbathed. He may appear in completely inappropriate clothing at school or other events and will seldom be seen with his parents.
If you see signs of abuse in a child that you know, it is your responsibility to report it. You could save a life. In the U.S., click here to get the number to report suspected child abuse in your state.
