Know the Signs of Abuse

Emotional Abuse

Overreaction to mistakes

Extreme fear of anything new or new situations

Physical, Mental and Emotional development lags

Sudden speech disorders such as stuttering

Continual Self-depreciaction “I am stupid, ugly, worthless, etc.”

Inapporopriate response to pain “will take it in. I deserve this

response.”

Neurotic behavior (rocking, twisting hair, self mutilation)

Extremes of passitivity or aggression

NEGLECT

Constant Hunger

Poor Hygeniene

Constant Tiredness

Poor State of Clothing


Emaciation (Rapid Body Mass Index)

Untreated Medical Problems

No Social Relationships

Compulsive scavenging

Destructive tendencies

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​PHYSICAL ABUSE

~  ​Unexplained recurrent injuries or burns
~  Improbable excuses or refusal to explain injuries
~ Wearing clothes to cover injuries even in hot weather
~Refuse to undress for gym/PE
~Bald Patches
~Fear of Medical help or examination
~Aggression toward others
~Fear of physical contact-shrinking back if touched
~Admitting that they are “punished”.
    *Punished is excessive such as being beaten every night to make him study
~Fear suspected abuser will be contacted by teachers

SEX ABUSE

​Overly affectionate –knows more about sex than what is appropriate to the child’s age

Medical problems such as chronic itching, pain in the genitals, venereal diseases

Depression, self mutilation, depression, suicide attempts, running away, overdoses, anorexia

Personality changes such as becoming insecure or clinging

Sudden loss of appetite or compulsive eating

Regressing to younger behavior patterns such as thumb sucking or bringing out discarded cuddle toys

Isolated or withdrawn

Inability to concentrate

Lack of trust or fear of someone they know well

Starting to wet themselves again day or night