Most important: noticing any sudden change in the child’s behaviors. (i.e. popular and extroverted child becomes withdrawn).
Signs of sexual abuse:
- Being overly affectionate or knowledgeable in a sexual way inappropriate to the child's age
- Medical problems such as chronic itching, pain in the genitals, venereal diseases
- Other extreme reactions, such as depression, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, running away, overdoses, anorexia
- Personality changes such as becoming insecure or clinging
- Regressing to younger behavior patterns such as thumb sucking or bringing out discarded cuddly toys
- Sudden loss of appetite or compulsive eating
- Being isolated or withdrawn
- Inability to concentrate
- Lack of trust or fear of someone they know well, such as not wanting to be alone
- Starting to wet again
- Day or night/nightmares
- Become worried about clothing being removed
- Suddenly drawing sexually explicit pictures
- Trying to be 'ultra-good' or perfect; overreacting to criticism
- Erratic and/or frequent unexcused absences from school
- Difficulties paying attention
- Significant learning delays-that are no otherwise explained by medical conditions
Signs of physical abuse:
- Unexplained recurrent injuries or burns
- Improbable excuses or refusal to explain injuries
- Wearing clothes to cover injuries, even in hot weather
- Refusal to undress for gym
- 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
- Erratic and/or frequent unexcused absences from school
- Difficulties paying attention
- Significant learning delays-that are no otherwise explained by medical conditions
Signs of 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 behavior (rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation)
- Extremes of passivity or aggression Erratic and/or frequent unexcused absences from school
- Difficulties paying attention
- Significant learning delays-that are no otherwise explained by medical conditions
Signs of neglect:
- Constant hunger
- Poor personal hygiene
- Constant tiredness
- Poor state of clothing
- Seems apathetic or depressed
- Emaciation
- Untreated medical problems
- No social relationships
- Compulsive scavenging
- Destructive tendencies
- Erratic and/or frequent unexcused absences from school
- Difficulties paying attention
- Significant learning delays-that are no otherwise explained by medical conditions
Note: A child may be subjected to a combination of different kinds of abuse. It is also possible that a child may show no outward signs and hide what is happening from everyone.
Suspected Abuse:
If you suspect that a child is being abused, seek advice from social services or the police. It is preferable that you identify yourself and give details. You can speak to these organizations anonymously.
If a Child tells you about abuse:
- Stay calm and be reassuring
- Find a quiet place to talk
If you suspect abuse contact:
- Crisis Hotline: 720.944.3000
- Denver Police: 911
- Non-emergency Police: 720.913.2000 Denver
- Non-emergency Police: 303.795.4711 Arapahoe