Identifying Child Abuse
Child abuse comes in many forms, and there are no guaranteed signs that make it easy to recognize. It is important to realize that children might put in a lot of effort to make sure abuse is not discovered. Remember that abuse can take different forms, so these ten signs are not the only ones that may be present. If you suspect abuse, report it.
Unexplained injuries: Visible signs of physical abuse can include unexplained injuries or bruises in the shape of objects. There also might be unconvincing explanations for the injuries. A child may have been admitted to a hospital once or several times with stories that do not seem to add up. Sexual abuse may also result in injuries that a specialized medical provider may find during an examination.
Changes in behavior: Children suffering from abuse often have behavioral changes and may present as anxious, scared, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive. Children and adolescents all may react differently to abuse; some may internalize the abuse and consequently have internalizing behaviors, like depression and anxiety. Some may externalize and “act out,” becoming aggressive towards others. These behaviors will be a shift from a child’s previous personality.
Return to earlier behaviors: Children being abused may display behaviors from earlier ages, such as thumb-sucking or bed-wetting. Sometimes, loss of acquired language or memory problems are seen. The act of returning to earlier behaviors is known as regression.
Fear of going home: Children being abused may show anxiety about leaving school or when going to places with the person who is abusing them. They may also view school as a safe place that protects them from abuse. They may be extremely reluctant to leave places and people deemed to be safe.
Changes in eating: A child’s eating patterns may be affected by fear and stress from abuse. As a result, the child may gain or lose weight rapidly.
Changes in sleep: Children suffering from abuse may have frequent nightmares or have difficulty falling asleep. Abuse may also be occurring during their normal sleeping hours, impacting the time they have to rest. They may appear tired and fatigued, or they may regularly fall asleep during class.
Changes in school performance or attendance: Children being abused may have difficulty concentrating in schools or might have excessive absences. Sometimes this is because an adult is trying to hide signs of the child’s abuse. Abuse also impacts children’s brains during critical development periods, inhibiting them from being able to engage fully or productively in school.
Lack of personal care or hygiene: Children suffering from abuse or neglect might appear uncared for. They may be consistently dirty. A child may not have a caregiver who ensures they have the resources they need to care for themselves, or may not have a caregiver who reminds them about hygiene.
Risk-taking behaviors: Children and adolescents impacted by abuse may engage in high-risk activities such as substance use or carrying a weapon. They may also engage in risky sexual activities. Engaging in these activities may be a conscious or unconscious choice as children learn alternate ways to cope with negative emotions arising from their victimization.
Inappropriate sexual behaviors: Children and adolescents who are being sexually abused may exhibit overly sexualized behavior or use sexually explicit language. These behaviors are abnormal for their age or developmental level. Children may also act out behaviors on other children, known as Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB).
If you notice any of these signs and you have concerns or questions, it is best to report your suspicions to the Colorado child abuse hotline. Do not interrogate the child about what they are experiencing.
