Spotting the Signs of Child Abuse

by: Dom Torres

Child abuse happens more silently than you think. It’s time to know the signs.

Child abuse is difficult to spot. In many cases, the child is reluctant to speak up about their abuse, or even recognize it as such. The abuser may even be someone close to the child, like a parent, which makes it even more so difficult for the child to come forward. That’s why it’s up to us to remain vigilant and know the specific signs of abuse. That way, we might just save another child from millions being abused today.

As there are several types of abuse, mainly physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect, signs of child abuse can manifest itself in different ways.

Signs of physical abuse include bruises, welts, cuts, burns (such as from cigarettes), and other injury marks that may come from a hand or a belt, for example. It’s also an indicator if these injuries are at varying stages of healing. Other medical and dental issues that go untreated are also signs. However, cuts and bruises may just be a regular part of one’s childhood. So, if you can, try to ask the child about their injuries, and see if these injuries can be explained through the child’s stories.

Emotional abuse usually manifests itself through psychological changes. These changes are usually unusual shifts from the child’s current behavior, though they are still tricky to spot. These signs include delays in speech or learning development, low self-esteem, constant worry, or depression. The child may also exhibit a poor bond with their caregiver or parent, and may distance themselves unexpectedly from their friends or activities.

As for sexual abuse, this can show itself through emotional trauma, such as refusing to change clothes in front of others, running away from home, or avoiding a person altogether for no reason. Some more explicit signs include pain or itching around the genitals (such as when sitting or walking), bruising or bleeding around these areas, and pregnancy or STDs for young children. Additionally, the child may know adult issues that are inappropriate for their age.

Lastly, one can spot neglect, or the lack of basic child care and protection, through the absence of dental, medical, or mental health care. They may be constantly left alone or in the care of others; and have unusual eating habits, such as eating more than usual or saving food for later. As for appearance, neglected children may appear dirty or untidy, or have poor weight gain and growth.

Some of these signs can just be parts of a normal childhood, such as bruises or scars, or emotional tantrums. However, it’s important to trust your intuition to gauge whether or not something unusual is going on with the child. If one or more of these signs are spotted, it’s important to take action as soon as possible and save the child from potential abuse.

Sources:

NSPCC. (n.d.). Spotting the signs of child abuse. Retrieved February 12, 2020, from https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/spotting-signs-child-abuse/

WebMD Medical Refrence. (n.d.). Possible Signs of Child Abuse. Retrieved February 12, 2020, from https://www.webmd.com/children/child-abuse-signs#1