Any intentional harm or mistreatment to a child under 18 years old is considered child abuse. If you suspect child abuse, report the abuse to the proper authorities. Child abuse takes many forms, which often occur at the same time. It includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
Symptoms
Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
- Changes in behavior
- Depression, anxiety or unusual fears
- A sudden loss of self-confidence
- An apparent lack of supervision
- Frequent absences from school
- Attempts at running away
- Rebellious or defiant behavior Self-harm or attempts at suicide
Prevention
Take important steps to protect your child from exploitation and child abuse
- The goal is to provide safe, stable, nurturing relationships for children
- Offer your child love and attention
- Think supervision
- Teach your child how to stay safe online
- Know your child’s caregivers
- Reach out
- Meet the families in your neighborhood
Emotional abuse signs and symptoms
Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
- Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
- Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm
- Depression
- Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
- Desperately seeks affection
- A decrease in school performance or loss of previously acquired developmental skills
Risk factors
Risk factors that may increase a person’s risk of becoming abusive include: A history of being abused or neglected as a child, physical or mental illness, family crisis or stress, financial stress, unemployment, social or extended family isolation, poor understanding of child development and parenting skills, alcohol, drugs or other substance abuse
Neglect signs and symptoms
Poor growth or weight gain, being overweight, poor hygiene, poor sanitation, taking food or money without permission, poor record of school attendance, lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental, psychological problems or lack of necessary follow-up care
Complications
Some children overcome the physical and psychological effects of child abuse, particularly those with strong social support and resiliency skills who can adapt and cope with bad experiences.
- For many others, however, child abuse may result in physical, behavioral, emotional, or mental health issues even years later.
If you worry that you might abuse your child
Seek help immediately
- Childhelp
- National child abuse hotline
- Prevent Child Abuse America
- 1-800-CHILDREN
- Or talk to your family doctor or health care provider
- Get counseling if you were abused as a child
Parental Behavior
Sometimes a parent’s demeanor or behavior sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include:
- Shows little concern for the child
- Blames the child for the problems
- Expects the child to provide him or her with attention and care
- Uses harsh physical discipline
- Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
- Severely limits the child’s contact with others
- Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for injuries or no explanation at all
When to see a doctor
If you’re concerned that your child has been abused, seek help immediately.
- Depending on the situation, contact the child’s doctor or health care provider, a local child protective agency, the police department, or a 24-hour hotline such as Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline.
