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Area Child Abuse Statistics: |
Signs of Child of Abuse:
A child who's being abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. He or she may feel afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent, other relative or family friend. In fact, the child may have an apparent fear of parents, adult caregivers or family friends. That is why it is vital to watch for red flags, such as:
- Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
- Changes in behavior - such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity - or changes in school performance
- Depression, anxiety or sudden loss of self-confidence
- An apparent lack of supervision
- Frequent absences from school or reluctance to ride the school bus
- Attempts at running away
- Rebellious or defiant behavior
- Attempts at suicide
Physical Abuse Signs and Symptoms:
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
- Injuries that don't match the given explanation
- Untreated medical or dental problems
Sexual Abuse Signs and Symptoms:
- Sexual behavior or knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age.
- Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection
- Blood in the child's underwear
- Statements that he or she was sexually abused
- Trouble walking or sitting
- Abuse of other children sexually
Emotional Abuse Signs and Symptoms:
- Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
- Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
- Social withdrawal
- Depression
- Headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause
- Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
- Desperately seeks affection
Neglect Signs and Symptoms:
- Poor growth or weight gain
- Poor hygiene
- Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs
- Taking food or money without permission
- Eating a lot in one sitting or hiding food for later
- Poor record of school attendance
- Lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental, or psychological problems, even though the parents have been notified
- Emotional swings that are inappropriate or out of context to the situation
- Indifference
Parental Behavior:
Sometimes a parent's demeanor or behavior sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:
- Shows little concern for the child
- Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in the child
- Denies that any problem exist at home or school, or blames the child for the problems
- Consistently blames, belittles, or berates the child and describes the child with negative terms, such as "worthless" or "evil"
- Expects the child to provide him or her with attention and care and seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child
- Uses harsh physical discipline or asks teachers to do so
- Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
- Severely limits the child's contact with others
- Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries or no explanation at all
Source of the signs and symptoms listed above: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/child-abuse/basics/symptoms/con-20033789
How you can help:
We can all help keep children from being abused.
1. If you see something suspicious, don't ignore it. Never assume that someone else will make a report even if they assure you that they will. There will be no harm if two or more reports are made.
2. Call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline:
800.482.5964
This is a 24 hour hotline to report suspicions of abuse. The reports can be made anonymously.
1. If you see something suspicious, don't ignore it. Never assume that someone else will make a report even if they assure you that they will. There will be no harm if two or more reports are made.
2. Call the Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline:
800.482.5964
This is a 24 hour hotline to report suspicions of abuse. The reports can be made anonymously.