Millions of children are affected by child abuse each year. It is a sensitive and devastating issue that significantly scars children. Child abuse takes many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, and neglect. It is important for parents, teachers, carers, or members of the community to be able to recognise the signs of abuse to intervene early and protect these innocent children. Here are 5 ways to identify the signs of child abuse so you can act quickly and help vulnerable children who are suffering from abuse.
1. Unexplained Physical Injuries
When a child is being physically abused, the most common sign is the unexplained injuries on the child’s body. The injuries, such as bruises, burns, or cuts, may be found on different parts of the body. Also, if these injuries persist and are in various stages of healing, the child may be suffering from physical abuse. In some cases, the child may visit the doctor for the injuries, but the explanation is unclear or inconsistent. Therefore, to identify physical abuse, observe if there are frequent or unusual bruises on the child’s body, as well as bite marks, handprints, fractures, or sprains.
2. Fear of Certain People or Places
When children are being abused, it is often evident in the fear they have toward a particular person, such as a parent, family member, or caregiver. Children suffering from abuse may also want to avoid going home, attending school, or being in certain places. Although this fear may be subtle, you can look for signs like the child showing anxiousness, fear, or avoidance towards certain places or people and constantly asking not to go home.
3. Poor hygiene and neglect
Child neglect is a type of abuse that can result in poor hygiene or a lack of care. When children are experiencing neglect, they may not receive medical care, clean clothing, or the proper nutrition. If you see a child that looks unkempt, malnourished, or even excessively tired, it is possible that the child may be neglected. Severe cases of neglect lead to development issues and health problems. To identify if a child is neglected, you can look for dirty clothes, poor personal hygiene, malnutrition, and extreme weight loss.
4. Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour or Knowledge
One way to tell if a child is being sexually abused is to observe if their behaviour is unusual for their age. Sexual abuse can lead to children displaying sexual knowledge or engaging in inappropriate sexual behaviours. A child who is being sexually abused may also show discomfort when they are asked about their body or sexual topics. If you suspect that a child is being sexually abused, your suspicions may be accurate if they display any of these signs or display inappropriate sexual language.
5. Frequent Absences from School
Children who are suffering from abuse are frequently absent from school. Parents or carers who are abusing their children may make excuses for them to miss school. Children who are being abused may also appear to be sick frequently. When the child is being kept at home for a long period, it could be an attempt to hide the effects of the abuse. Additionally, children who experience abuse may feel unsafe and uncomfortable in school due to emotional trauma. Another sign is if the child’s academic performance drops or they stop participating as much in school.
What You Should Do If You Suspect Abuse
When you notice any signs of abuse, it is crucial that you take action immediately by contacting local child protective services or law enforcement. Children suffering from abuse are often ashamed or afraid to speak out, so adults around them should be their advocates and protectors. When you report abuse early, you are saving the child from further harm, helping them to get the support they need.
