How to Recognize Abuse in a Child

Each year in the United States more than 3 million cases of child abuse and neglect are reported that involve more than 6 million children. No socioeconomic group, race, religion or level of education in the family is immune. Repeat offenders often abuse many victims before they are finally caught. One of the keys to reducing this epidemic of abuse is learning to spot the abuse and report it. Take the time to learn the warning signs of abuse so you can do your part in saving a child from a lifetime of unnecessary pain. This child may be your foster child, a friend of one of your children, a child you teach or babysit, or even a child in your extended family.

Things You'll Need

  • Hotline phone number

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch for a child who always seems to be having an accidental injury. Some people bruise more easily and are more accident prone than others, so don't assume the child is abused but on the other hand, don't assume he is telling the truth about the injuries being accidental. Ask questions about the causes of the accident and have someone else ask to evaluate the consistency of the story. If a child in your care has been absent for several days or your child's friend who play at your house regularly disappears for a while and comes back with an injury, investigate the situation carefully.

    • 2

      Learn bruise configurations so you can tell the difference in a random bruise and one caused by a blunt object or by being bound. Ask the child how he got the bruise and compare the story with the appearance of the injury.

    • 3

      Evaluate dramatic changes in sleeping or eating habits. When a child is abused, his anxiety level may cause irregularities in these areas.

    • 4

      Notice changes in hygiene and general personal care such as cleanliness and body odor. Abused or neglected children also may wear clothing that doesn't fit the climate.

    • 5

      Ask the child questions about his unusual fears of being alone with members of one or the other gender. Conversely, it may also be a sign of sexual abuse if he is too comfortable using mature, sexual words or making sexual comments about adults.

    • 6

      Monitor sudden decreases in self-esteem. Children may also resort to cutting and other bodily harm while being abused. Some children commit suicide. If the child is talking of suicide or harming himself in any way, contact an authority immediately, and if the child is speaking of killing himself, call 911.

    • 7

      Note any criminal activity, such as prostitution, perpetrated by the child. Aggressive behavior that is out of the character of the child may also be a sign of abuse.

    • 8

      Watch for signs of genital sores or sexually-transmitted disease if the child is in your personal care. Chronic itching or rubbing genitals or frequent urination may be signs. Pregnancy, even in younger girls, is also a primary indicator.

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