A continuing tragedy of emotional abuse is that, when these children become parents, they may continue the cycle with their own children. Emotionally abused children often grow up thinking that they are deficient in some way. Indicators of emotional abuse – Although the visible signs of emotional abuse in children can be difficult to detect, the hidden scars of this type of abuse manifest in numerous behavioral ways, including insecurity, poor self-esteem, destructive behavior, angry acts (such as fire setting and animal cruelty), withdrawal, poor development of basic skills, alcohol or drug abuse, suicide attempts, difficulty forming relationships and unstable job histories. ![]() Victims of physical abuse may display withdrawn or aggressive behavior, complain of soreness or uncomfortable movement, wear clothing that is inappropriate for the weather, express discomfort with physical contact or become chronic runaways. A child’s behavior might also signal that something is wrong. Wounds like human bite marks, cigarette burns, broken bones, puncture marks or missing hair may indicate abuse. Physical indicators of abuse include bruises, lacerations, swollen areas, and marks on the child’s face, head, back, chest, genital area, buttocks or thighs. The presence of many injuries in various stages of healing makes it obvious that the injuries did not all occur as the result of one accident. Indicators of physical abuse – While injuries can occur accidentally when a child is at play, physical abuse should be suspected if the explanations do not fit the injury, or if a pattern of frequency is apparent (for example, handprints or multiple marks of a belt or cord). ![]() It is therefore helpful for all adults to be aware of the following physical and behavioral symptoms of child abuse and neglect: But when normal behaviors, injuries, or a combination of the two fall outside of those ranges, it should be a cause for concern. Children and youth are prone to many injuries on knees, shins, elbows and chins that are the result of normal play and activity. ![]() Of course, it is important to note here that not all physical injury is the result of child abuse. Behavioral indicators usually, but not always, accompany the physical manifestations of child abuse and neglect. Obvious physical signs of child abuse are usually easily visible, and may be mild or severe or, in some cases, more subtle. These are discussed more fully in Section 5 below. ![]() In cases of sexual abuse, some of the behavioral signs (both of the children who are being targeted, and the individuals who abuse them) can occur prior to the act of abuse and can possibly be used – if recognized – to prevent the abuse from taking place. Early detection and intervention are key, but not knowing how to talk about it, the fear of being blamed or disbelieved, threats of consequences by the abuser, or the feeling that they were somehow at fault prevents many victims from disclosing their abuse.įor these reasons, the prevention of child maltreatment, or its discovery at the earliest possible time, depends in part on the ability of adults to recognize the warning signs and symptoms that children show when they are experiencing abuse and neglect. The longer child abuse remains undiscovered the greater the possibility of negative long-term effects. Many adult survivors of childhood abuse – especially sexual abuse –ĭelay the disclosure of their abuse for years or decades. Most instances of maltreatment are never observed, and the majority of children who are its victims do not self-disclose.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |