Child Abuse

Child Abuse - Signs and Symptoms

-Sexual Abuse

-Physical Abuse

·         Improbable excuses or refusal to explain injuries

·         Wearing clothes to cover injuries, even in hot weather

·         Refusal to undress for gym

·         Bald patches

·         Chronic running away

·         Fear of medical help or examination

·         Self-destructive tendencies

·         Aggression towards others

·         Fear of physical contact - shrinking back if touched

·         Admitting that they are punished, but the punishment is excessive (such as a child being beaten every night to 'make him study')

·         Fear of suspected abuser being contacted

·         Unexplained recurrent injuries or burns

-Emotional Abuse

·         Physical, mental and emotional development lags

·         Sudden speech disorders

·         Continual self-depreciation ('I'm stupid, ugly, worthless, etc')

·         Overreaction to mistakes

·         Extreme fear of any new situation

·         Inappropriate response to pain ('I deserve this')

·         Neurotic behaviour (rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation)

·         Extremes of passivity or aggression

-Neglect

·         Destructive tendencies

·         Poor personal hygiene

·         Constant tiredness

·         Poor state of clothing

·         Emaciation

·         Untreated medical problems

·         No social relationships

·         Compulsive scavenging

·         Constant hunger