Recognizing Abuse

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Some signs of child abuse are more obvious than others. Here are some common signs of abuse:

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• Has a child’s behavior changed? Do they experience fear, anxiety, depression, aggression or withdrawal?

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• Is the child afraid to go home or to see certain individuals?

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• Is a child showing overly sexualized behavior or using sexual language that is inappropriate for the child’s age?

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• Have you noticed changes in a child’s sleeping patterns including frequent nightmares or difficulty falling asleep? Does the child look tired?

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• Have you noticed changes in school performance and attendance, such as being unable to concentrate in class or frequent absences?

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• Have a child’s eating habits changed leading to weight gain or loss?

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• Do you see signs of visible unexplained injuries such as burns, bruises, or broken bones?

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• Is a child using drugs or alcohol?