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Signs & Symptoms of Child Abuse.

Overview
Any intentional harm or mistreatment to a child under 18 years old is considered child abuse. Child abuse takes many forms,which often occur at the same time.

Physical Abuse
Physical child abuse occurs when a child is purposely physically injurued or put at risk of harm by another person. Sexual abuse. Sexual child abuse is any sexual activity with a child,such as fondling,oral-genital contact, intercourse, exploitation or exposure to child pornography.

Emotional Abuse
Emotional child abuse means injuring a child’s self-esteem or emotional well-being. It includes verbal and emotional assault- such as continually belittling or berating a child- as well as isolating, ignoring or rejecting a child.

Medical Abuse
Medical child abuse occurs when someone gives false information about illness in a child that requires medical attention, putting the child at risk of injury and unnecessary medical care..

Neglect
Child neglect is failure to provide adequate food, shelter,affection, supervision, education,or dental or medical care. In many cases,child abuse is done by someone the child knows and trusts – often a parent or other relative. If you suspect child abuse,report the abuse to the proper authorities.

SYMPTOMS
A child who’s being abused may feel guilty, ashamed of confused. He or she may be afriad to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent,other relative or family friend. That’s why it’s vital to watch for red flags, such as:

• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
• Changes in behavior- such as aggression,anger, hostility or hyperactivity-or change in school performance
• Depression, anxiety or unusual fears,or a sudden loss of self -confidence
• An apparent lack of supervision
• Frequent absences from school
• Relunctance to leave school activities,as if he or she doesn’t want to go home
• Attempts at running away
• Rebellious or defiant behavior
• Self-harm or attempts at suicide Specific signs and symptoms depend on the type of abuse and can vary. Keep in mind that warning signs are just that- warning signs. The presence of warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused. Physical abuse signs and symptom
• Unexplained injuries,such as bruises, fracture or burns
• Injuries that don’t match the given explanation Sexual abuse signs and symptoms
• Sexual behavior or knowledge that’s inappropriate for the child’s age
• Pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection
• Blood in the child’s underwear
• Statement that he or she was sexually abuse
• Inappropriate sexual contact with other children Emotional abuse sign and symptoms
• Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
• Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Depression
• Social withdrawal or loss of interest or enthusiasm
• Avoidance of certain situations,such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
• Desperately seeks affection
• A decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school
• Loss of previously acquired developmental skills Neglect signs and symptoms
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs
• Taking food or money without permission
• Hiding food for later
• Poor record of school attendance

Written By: Organization for Protection of Children