Child abuse has become a very common terminology nowadays although one fail to understand how can someone intentionally hurt a child. But then there are predators that feed on innocents soul. A number of reported cases of child abuse alone in the USA is nearly a million.
Usually, cases of child abuse go unreported and unnoticed because the abuser is someone they know, a close relative, parent or someone in power that they afraid to tell about. And even sometimes the child becomes convinced that being abused is his/her fault — so they chose to stay silent.
That is the reason why it is important for you to know the signs of abuse and recognize them.Before looking for the signs of the child abuse you need to know the what child abuse is and which forms it can take.
CHILD ABUSE:
Child abuse is when an adult is it a someone known or unknown or even a parent harms a child physically or emotionally. Child abuse can take the following forms;
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Emotional abuse
Neglect
ALARMING SIGNS OF ABUSE:
Apparently, abuse is hard to be recognized for more than one reason. The most likely reasons have been mentioned earlier beside that the changes are almost the same as growing child faces (hormonal changes) so, usually people let it go unnoticed.
But these alarming signs need to be investigated regardlessly. Look up close if your child is been showing these signs to find out what kind of abuse he is being subjected to.
Behavioral changes that have not been exhibited previously – depression, anxiety, being violent, fear of someone, withdrawal from situations, avoiding to go home or to a certain person’s home, feeling uncomfortable with someone's existence, avoiding someone in particular for no obvious reason.
Injuries, bruises, bumps or welts that are unexplained
Unusual sexual behaviour.
Using age-inappropriate sexual language.
Taking interest in age-inappropriate content i.e. pictures, movies, media.
Change in sleeping patterns, having nightmares, difficulty sleeping.
Sudden change/decline in performance at school, games, activities
Low self-esteem, loss of self-confidence.
A sudden intake of drugs.
Looking to escape.
Suicide attempts.
If any of these sign is shown by your child, properly inspect it. And if your child is being abused, make sure you report it. There should be no shame in it and it isn’t a private matter. Your child’s well-being should be your top priority, and this incident will have a lasting impact on their lives. So, depending on the situation seek necessary help, contact 911 for further assistance.