BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Identify a Victim of Child Abuse

By eHow Relationships & Family Editor

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Child abuse can come in four different forms: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse or neglect. Look for common signs that abuse may be a part of a child's life.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Look for physical signs of abuse: bruises, cuts, burns (perhaps from cigarettes) or broken bones.

Step2

Consider the possibility of abuse if the child has difficulty walking, sitting or performing other daily tasks due to soreness.

Step3

Note the child's weight. Weight loss may result if the child isn't getting enough food. An overweight child might be overeating because of feelings of worthlessness.

Step4

Look for developmental stalls, especially in infants, such as not having age-appropriate language or social skills.

Step5

Consider personality: Distrust, excessive efforts to please, shyness or introversion (playing alone), fighting (a call for attention) or not getting along with others could all be signs of abuse.

Step6

Watch sleeping habits: A child who's often tired (due to lack of sleep) or who frequently has nightmares may be a victim.

Step7

Look for signs of drug or alcohol abuse in the child and his or her parents.

Step8

Monitor the child's performance at school. Falling grades or underachievement could indicate abuse.

Step9

Consider any self-destructive behavior, such as suicide attempts or self-mutilation, as an indicator that the child may be a victim of abuse.

Tips & Warnings

If you suspect abuse, ask questions that encourage the child to share information about home life or possible abuse. Ask in a nonthreatening manner, in a setting where the child feels safe (away from the abuser).
For help, guidance or more information about child abuse, call the Childhelp USA Hotline, (800) 4-A-CHILD.

Comments

PasConsultant said

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on 4/6/2008 Goldberg & Associates says To all the critics of parental alienation syndrome that believe that people are using this as an
excuse to win cases of custody,
this is nothing more than an exagerated lie. Rarely do parents
with moderate to severely alienated children EVER reverse custody. In fact, these children are to emotionally abused by the custodial parent to be able
to tolerate the non-custodial parent. It's more likely that the
child will be placed with a 3rd
party guardian before they are ever
reunited with the non-custodial
parent ( and that only happens after years of fighting it out ).
Goldberg & Associates, 905-481-0367
www.ParentalAlienation.ca

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 When you suspect child abuse to a child or adolescent, don't immediately start calling the authorities (unless, of course, it's a dire emergency). First listen to the child (often just telling helps a lot). Let the child know that you are willing to help her/him and how you can do that. Even if they are reluctant for you to do anything at first, it can sometimes be very empowering for the young person to make the decision to act - or not.

Bear in mind, however, that the child may be either too young, or too terrified of the consequences of having confided in someone, to make any decision.
I speak from the experience of being an abused child.