How to Identify a Victim of Child Abuse

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.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

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

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

3. 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.

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

5. 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.

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

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

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

9. 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.

[fubbill]

on 5/5/2009 http://www.wcpo.com/content/news/fresh/story/3-Officers-Injured-While-Running-Down-Suspect/YeLwSjtYok2lV3aAarf5Hg.cspx?p=Comments

[trenee169]

on 1/12/2009 When It comes to our kids, and if we really love them.....We better began falling to our knees...because if you tried everything else and you are absolutely exhausted..then began to pray for your child. If you don't believe in God...Then go ahead and allow your heart to broken a few million times first, because thats what it will take for you to try God. Just TRY HIM!

[celticeagle]

on 12/7/2008 Very good information. Thanks for publishing this.

[PasConsultant]

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

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.