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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffA child who's being abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. He or she may be afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent or other loved one. That's why it's vital to watch for red flags, such as:
- Sudden changes in behavior or school performance
- Untreated medical or dental problems
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, burns or other injuries
- Blood in the child's underwear
- Inappropriate sexual behavior for the child's age
- Behavior extremes, from overly aggressive to unusually passive
- Nightmares or unusual fears
- Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
- Low self-esteem
- Poor hygiene
- Frequent absences from school
Sometimes a parent's demeanor or behavior also sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:
- Shows little concern for the child
- Denies the existence of problems at home or school, or blames the child for the problems
- Refuses offers of help to resolve problems at school
- Consistently blames, belittles or berates the child
- Describes the child with negative terms
- 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 other children
- Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries, or no explanation at all
Keep in mind that warning signs are just that — warning signs. The presence of warning signs doesn't necessarily mean that a child is being abused.
When to see a doctor
If you're concerned that your child or another child has been abused, seek help immediately. Contact the child's doctor, a local child protective agency or the local police department. Keep in mind that health care professionals are legally required to report all suspected cases of child abuse to state authorities.
