Signs of Abuse in Children and Teens

So what is abuse? Abuse can be defined in many ways including physical, emotional, sexual, medical and neglect.

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  • Physical abuse. A child is purposely physically injured or put at risk of harm by someone else.

  • Sexual abuse. Any sexual activity with a child, as well as exploitation or exposure to child pornography.

  • Emotional abuse. Injuring a child's self-esteem or emotional well-being. It includes verbal and emotional — such as continually belittling a child — as well as isolating, ignoring or rejecting a child.

  • Medical abuse. 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. Failure to provide adequate food, shelter, affection, supervision, education, or dental or medical care.

There are several signs of abuse in children and teens that you can be conscious of. Those signs are listed below:

  • Withdrawal from friends, sports, activities

  • Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance

  • Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence

  • An apparent lack of supervision

  • Frequent school absences

  • An apparent desire to not want to go home

  • Attempts at running away

  • Rebellious or defiant behavior

  • Self-harm (cutting, scratching, pulling out hair, punching, burning, etc.) or attempts at suicide

It is important to be aware that these are simply warning signs and that not every child demonstrating these signs has been abused.

While the behavior of children can be a sign that abuse is occurring, the behavior of parents can also be an indicator that there is abuse occurring in the home.

  • Shows little concern for the child

  • Appears unable to acknowledge physical or emotional stress in the child

  • Frequently blames the child for the problems

  • Consistently belittles the child, and describes the child with negative terms, such as "worthless" or "evil"

  • Expects the child to provide him or her with attention and care and seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child

  • Uses harsh physical discipline

  • Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance

  • Severely limits the child's interactions with others

  • Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries or no explanation at all

The first step at helping children in need is being aware. By knowing what to look for, we can all work together in preventing child abuse.

Morgan Twidwell, LSCSW, LCSW



References:
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/child-abuse/symptoms-causes/syc-20370864

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