Know The Signs- From Hopeshining.org

Child Abuse

10 Signs A Child Is Being AbusedSigns of

Unexplained injuries.

include unexplained burns or bruises in the shape of objects. You

may also hear unconvincing explanations of a child’s injuries.

Visible signs of physical abuse may

Changes in behavior.

a child’s behavior. Abused children often appear scared, anxious,

depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive.

Abuse can lead to many changes in

Returning to earlier behaviors.

display behaviors shown at earlier ages, such as thumb-sucking,

bed-wetting, fear of the dark or strangers. For some children, even

loss of acquired language or memory problems may be an issue.

Abused children may

Fear of going home.

apprehension or anxiety about leaving school or about going

places with the person who is abusing them.

Abused children may express

Changes in eating.

abuse can lead to changes in a child’s eating behaviors, which

may result in weight gain or weight loss.

The stress, fear and anxiety caused by

Changes in sleeping.

nightmares or have difficulty falling asleep, and as a result may

appear tired or fatigued.

Abused children may have frequent

Changes in school performance and attendance.

Abused children may have difficulty concentrating in school or

have excessive absences, sometimes due to adults trying to hide

the children’s injuries from authorities.

Lack of personal care or hygiene.

children may appear uncared for. They may present as

consistently dirty and have severe body odor, or they may lack

sufficient clothing for the weather.

Abused and neglected

Risk-taking behaviors.

abused may engage in high-risk activities such as using drugs or

alcohol or carrying a weapon.

Young people who are being

Inappropriate sexual behaviors.

sexually abused may exhibit overly sexualized behavior or use

explicit sexual language.

Children who have been

Some signs that a child is experiencing violence or

abuse are more obvious than others.

Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact the

authorities. You do not need proof.

Trust your instincts.

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revitalization and financial literacy.

New York, call the NY State Central Registry of Child Abuse

and Maltreatment at

State, visit 800.342.3720. Outside of New Yorkwww.hopeshining.org for a list of resources.