Help Prevent Child Abuse…
Every day, over 27,000 children are exposed to domestic violence in the U.S. and four will die as a result of child abuse and neglect. But if everyone knew the 10 common signs of child abuse, we could help these kids live lives free from violence and full of possibility.
Learn and watch out for the 10 common signs of child abuse:
* Unexplained injuries. Visible signs of physical abuse may include unexplained burns or bruises.
* Changes in behavior. Abused children often appear scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive.
* Returning to earlier behaviors. Abused children may display behaviors shown at earlier ages, such as thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, fear of the dark or strangers.
* Fear of going home. Abused children may express apprehension or anxiety about leaving school or about going places with the person who is abusing them.
* Changes in eating. The stress, fear and anxiety caused by abuse can lead to changes in a child’s eating behaviors, which may result in weight gain or weight loss.
* Changes in sleeping. Abused children may have frequent nightmares or have difficulty falling asleep, and as a result may appear tired or fatigued.
* Changes in school performance and attendance. Abused children may have difficulty concentrating in school or have excessive absences, sometimes due to adults trying to hide the children’s injuries from authorities.
* Lack of personal care or hygiene. Abused and neglected children may appear uncared for.
* Risk-taking behaviors. Young people who are being abused may engage in high-risk activities such as using drugs or alcohol or carrying a weapon.
* Inappropriate sexual behaviors. Children who have been sexually abused may exhibit overly sexualized behavior or use explicit sexual language.
Some signs that a child is experiencing violence or abuse are more obvious than others. Trust your instincts. Suspected abuse is enough of a reason to contact the authorities. You do not need proof. The parents and authorities will be able to sort out legitimate behaviors, such as the risk-taking of an ADHD child, from those caused by abuse. Don’t be afraid of being a troublemaker. This kind of trouble is worth it. Children are worth it.
April 5th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
there is no excuse for the children of our country and other countries being abused we need to help in any and every way we can! Please these children need our help. Their lives are as important as any other and it is our job as a country to keep them safe!!!!
April 9th, 2010 at 5:15 am
Lacey you are right Children who are being abused is a trerrible thing to do how can any one do such a thing they are gust like us they have a life like us why should people treat them differenly it is are job to defend are country and look after the people in it we all believe that. We should put a full stop to abused it it not right they deserve better than that they deserve a family who Loves and takes care of them
May 19th, 2010 at 2:47 pm
People should put an end to child abuse its wrong and can make children distraught and depressed if you have a child you should look after them!
May 26th, 2010 at 12:40 pm
i’m doing a essay on it… i won’t agree with any abuse emotionally and physically. words can’t break bones but stick and stones can. But the words coming from your parents can’t be real they are the ones to stand by you when no one else can. they are the ones to sup port you in anything you do or want to do not feel less of your self.
June 29th, 2010 at 7:35 am
I Believe that all types of abuse is horrifying and just discussing just like if you hit a child but tell them you love them they will believe that they are the wrong ones. And if you yell and cuss at them but never lay a hand they will hate themselves and will feel each word as the utmost truth and feel like one crippling after another. I would not know which is worst for why’ll I was hit I never was hit hard enough for me to believe it was anything but I was yelled and cussed at being called many things. I know now that it is wrong but as a child I did believe them and when called a b**ch and others I thought it was true. I grew up and now I just wish no child has to go threw what so many have. I believe that what happened isn’t nearly as bad or even close to what little infants and children have to go through. It’s just wrong.