Facts
Some Signs of Child AbuseEmotional
-A child who is apathetic (just doesn't care).
-A child who suffers from depression.
-A child who won't take part in play or school activities.
-A child who is often hostile or aggressive.
-A child with a loss of appetite.
-A child who compulsively overeats
Neglect
-Any of the signs above.
-A child who is hungry much of the time.
-A child wandering outdoors unsupervised.
-A child unsuitably dressed for the weather.
-A child who is continually dirty or wearing the same soiled clothes.
-A child who shows up early or stays late at school.
Physical
-Bruises or welts shaped like an object (belt buckle or electric cord).
-Bruises in unusual places (back, eyes, mouth, buttocks, genital areas, thighs, calves).
-Layers of different colored bruises in the same general area.
-"Sock" or "glove" burns on feet or hands or doughnut shaped burns on buttocks (from forcing the child into hot water).
-Small round burns from cigarettes.
-Burns in the shape of an object (iron, fireplace tool, or heater).
-Rope burns on ankles, wrists, or torso.
-Adult sized bite marks.
-Suspicious fractures (doctors and nurses are trained to recognize these).
Sexual
-Withdrawal or anti-social attitude.
-Refusal to undress for physical education or sports.
-Exaggerated interest in sex or "acting out" sex with other children.
-Unusually seductive behavior.
-Fear of intimate contact (hugging or sports)
-Torn, stained, or bloodied clothing.
Parent Abuse
Parent abuse is any harmful act by a teenage child intended to gain power and control over a parent. The abuse can be physical, psychological, or financial.
Physical abuse includes hitting, punching, slapping, and pushing and is the most visible form of abuse. A number of large-scale studies suggest that up to 14% of parents are physically assaulted by their adolescent children at some point.
Psychological abuse includes name calling, criticizing and put-downs, creating fear, running away from home, and threatening to hurt or kill a parent or themselves. Although behaviours such as yelling occur at some point in many families, they can be considered parent abuse when they become persistent. Abuse often begins verbally and escalates to include other forms.
Financial abuse includes stealing or taking things without permission, damaging the home or possessions of the parent, and demanding things that parents cannot afford.
Stories of Abuse
Neglect -
Feb. 2009 - A mother in Dallas, Texas, was charged with neglect after her nine-year-old died from complications of diabetes after she failed to help her manage her disease.
Physical Abuse -
Jan. 2009 - In Fall River, Massachusetts, a mother was charged with burning her four-year-old foster son with a curling iron, causing third-degree burns that required skin graft surgery.
- Michelle
Labels: (Child) Abuse
