What are some signs that a child is being abused and what are the best ways to handle potential abuse?
As parents, we never want to think the unthinkable can happen to our children. However, knowledge is power and knowing the warning signs can help to catch it quickly and prevent further abuse. Read on to learn about signs of child abuse and how best to address it.
Mo Mulla
Mo Mulla, Founder of Parental Questions.
Watch for Signs and Take Them Seriously
A few signs can tip you off that your child is being abused. Some of these signs may include changes in behavior, physical injuries that are unexplained or inconsistent with the child’s age, and verbal indicators such as unusual depression, fearfulness, or aggression.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action and investigate further. You can start by talking to your child in a private setting, away from the possible abuser. Be sure to tell them that they can tell you anything and that you’re there to help.
If they do disclose abuse, it’s important to believe them and take their allegations seriously. You should then contact the authorities or a child abuse hotline to get help and protection for your child. Abuse can be a sensitive and challenging topic, but it’s important to be aware of the signs and take action if you suspect something.
Observe Their Behavior and Encourage Them to Talk to You
Child abuse comes in different forms – it may be emotional, physical, or even sexual. Children often don’t speak about abuse which is why they are mostly the target of predators. However, there are still signs of knowing if your child is being abused. Always engage with your children, speak with them and open a conversation. Make them feel safe with you and know that you are ready to listen.
Although we cannot tell at first glance if they are being abused, especially if the abuse is not physical, we can get clues if we often speak to them. Moreover, it is good to teach them and let them know that these things could happen and if so, they should let their friends know if not the parents.
Tim Anderson
Tim Anderson, Owner of PowerInsider.
Kevin Miles
Kevin Miles, Editor at LoanAdvisor.
If You Notice Changes in Behavior, Communication is the Key
This is a sensitive topic. Each child is different so the ways of dealing with abuse are naturally different among each of them. Although there are a few basic signs that parents could observe to identify whether their child has gone through such trauma. The most basic of such signs is behavioral change. Changes in behavior such as sudden outbursts, aggression, and hostility, could be signs of child cause. Unusual fears, depression, and anxiety are other indicators of trauma.
An important thing that parents often fail to notice is unexpected reactions. For example – your child may refuse to play with you or his/her favorite toy or start disliking her preferred TV show. These things could be a reminder of the gruesome incident and while you are still clueless about their change in taste, your child will struggle alone.
Communication is the key to such a situation. Often the things that appear insignificant to us could be a great deal of discomfort for kids. And something horrifying like abuse could leave a negative imprint on their minds forever. So make sure you can build a trusting relationship with your child by communicating and assuring them of your support. You may consider help from a professional child psychologist who can help your child with the coping process.
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