Physical Abuse
Physical abuse involves hurting a child on purpose. Signs of physical abuse include:
Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or broken bones that can't be easily explained.
Fear of physical contact: The child may avoid being touched or hugged.
Clothing to hide injuries: The child might wear long sleeves or pants even in hot weather to cover up injuries.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse involves harming a child's self-esteem or emotional well-being. Indicators of emotional abuse can be:
Low self-esteem: The child may have a poor opinion of themselves or feel worthless.
Withdrawal: The child might isolate themselves from friends and activities they used to enjoy.
Behavioural changes: Sudden shifts in behaviour, such as becoming overly aggressive or withdrawn.
Difficulty in school: Struggling with schoolwork or concentrating.
Fear of going home: The child may dread returning home.
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is when an adult or older child involves a child in sexual activities. Signs of sexual abuse can include:
Physical discomfort: Pain or itching in the genital area.
Changes in behaviour: The child might become withdrawn, aggressive, or overly sexualized.
Fear of a specific person: The child may be afraid of a particular adult or older child.
Difficulty walking or sitting: Physical pain caused by the abuse.
Nightmares or bedwetting:These can be signs of emotional distress.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when a child's basic needs aren't met. Signs of neglect include:
Poor hygiene: The child may be dirty or have body odor.
Malnutrition: The child may be underweight or appear malnourished.
Lack of essentials: The child might not have proper clothing, shelter, or medical care.
Constant hunger: The child may always seem hungry or steal food.
Behavioural Indicators Across All Types of Abuse
Some behaviours might indicate child abuse, regardless of the type. These include:
Changes in school performance: A sudden drop in grades or difficulty concentrating.
Truancy: Skipping school without a valid reason.
Running away: Leaving home without permission.
Substance abuse: Using alcohol or drugs.
Self-harm: Cutting, burning, or other forms of self-injury.
If you suspect child abuse, it's crucial to report it to the appropriate authorities. Children often feel ashamed or scared to disclose abuse, so it's important to believe them and offer support.