Signs of Child Abuse
What can be done? |
Treatment,
prevention and research are key. Childhelp, one of the largest and
oldest national, non-profit organizations dedicated to treatment and
prevention of child abuse, provides a broad continuum of programs that
directly serve abused children and their families. Childhelp also leads
public awareness campaigns to educate the public and rally communities behind their cause. |
What can I do? |
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By supporting Childhelp, you are playing a direct role in the treatment and prevention of child abuse. Your donations and purchases from the Childhelp store and the Gift of Hope gift catalog
help a dedicated and passionate staff carry out Childhelp's mission of
meeting the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of
abused and neglected children.
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The
following are a few of the physical and behavioral signs of child
abuse and neglect. Please note that the listed signs of child abuse in each
category may pertain to more than one type of abuse or neglect. For
example, “lack of concentration” could be a sign of sexual abuse, as
well as emotional abuse. Those indicated in bold lettering tend to be
the most common signs and symptoms.
Physical Signs of Child Abuse
1. Unexplained burns, cuts, bruises, or welts in the shape of an object
2. Bite marks
3. Anti-social behavior
4. Problems in school
5. Fear of adults
Emotional Signs of Child Abuse
1. Apathy
2. Depression
3. Hostility or stress
4. Lack of concentration
5. Eating disorders
Sexual Signs of Child Abuse
1. Inappropriate interest or knowledge of sexual acts
2. Nightmares and bed wetting
3. Drastic changes in appetite
4. Overcompliance or excessive aggression
5. Fear of a particular person or family member
Signs of Neglect
1. Unsuitable clothing for weather
2. Dirty or unbathed
3. Extreme hunger
4. Apparent lack of supervision
For
a more extensive list of the signs of child abuse, call the Childhelp
National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453). |
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