EFFECTS OF CHILD ABUSE

TYPES OF ABUSE
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
Emotional abuse

Physical abuse

Physical signs

• Unusual bruises or welts on face, neck, chest, buttocks or genitals
• Injuries in various stages of healing
• Injuries in shape of object (e.g., belt, electric cord)
• Unexplained burns on palms, soles, back or buttocks
• Fractures that do not fit story of injury
• Unexplained delay between occurrence of injury and medical help sought

Behavioral signs

• Displays extremes in behavior-aggressiveness or withdrawal and shyness
• Displays self-destructive behavior
• Engages in destructive or delinquent behavior
• Fears going home
• Fears parents
• Fears other adults
• Reports injury by parents
• Presents poor self-image
• Uses drug or alcohol
• Seems uncomfortable with physical contact

Sexual abuse

Physical signs

• Sexually transmitted disease
• Pain or swelling in genital area
• Bruises, bleeding or discharge in vaginal or penile area
• Pregnancy
• Stained or bloody underclothing
• Chronic genital irritation
• Difficulty in walking or sitting
• Frequent urinary tract or yeast infections

Behavioral signs

• Refuses to partake in gym or other physical exercises
• Relates poorly with peers
• Acts overly seductive around others
• Displays sexual behavior inappropriate for age
• Becomes a run-away or delinquent
• Exhibits drastic change in school achievement
• Displays regressive or childlike behavior
• Uses foul language
• Experiences nightmares or bed wetting

Neglect

Physical signs

• Abandoned
• Unattended medical needs
• Consistent lack of supervision
• Consistent hunger, inappropriate dress, poor hygiene
• Lice, distended stomach, emaciated look

Behavioral signs

• Is constantly hungry and begs for or steals food
• Shows an extreme willingness to please
• Seeks attention from any adult
• Is frequently absent from school
• Arrives early and stays at school, play area or other people's homes
• States that parents are rarely around

Emotional abuse

Physical signs

• Delays in physical development
• Speech disorder

Behavioral signs

• Learning problems
• Passive, aggressive
• Feelings of low self-worth

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