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Symptoms of Child Abuse

Did you know that children from violent homes often display a variety of behavioral characteristics as a result of living in an unpredictable environment? Many of these characteristics are similar to those exhibited by children who have been abused in other ways.

Recent studies show that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 7 boys are sexually abused before they reach the age of 18 years, and that in homes where domestic violence is present, 50% of children living in those homes are abused physically and/or emotionally.

Characteristics of Children Suffering from Sexual Abuse

Behavioral Indicators:

• Eating disturbances
• Excessive fear or phobias of certain objects, people, places, or activities
• Withdrawal, fantasy, or unusual acting out
• Sexually provocative behavior, i.e., sexually acting out, showing unusual interest in sexual matters
• Hyper-vigilance
• Fear of restrooms, showers, or baths (common locations of abuse)
• Abrupt personality changes, extreme mood swings, fearfulness, or excessive crying
• Anxieties, especially at naptime
• Uncharacteristic aggression or rebelliousness

Physical Indicators:

• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Pain or itching in the genital area
• Torn, stained, or bloody under-clothing
• Frequent urinary infection
• Genital discharge
• Psychosomatic symptoms (frequent headaches or stomach aches)

Characteristics of Children Suffering from Domestic Abuse

Behavioral Indicators:

• Aggressive behaviors and nightmares
• Short attention span
• Acting anxious and/or having nervous disorders
• Bullying other children or being violent towards others
• Appearing depressed, embarrassed, or humiliated
• Appearing to feel powerless or worthless
• Using violence to express frustration, anger, and stress
• Appearing shy, lonely and fearful
• Difficulty setting boundaries or often violating others’ space or rights
• Self isolating from others

Physical Indicators:

• Evidence of unexplained physical injury
• Appearing to be emotionally or physically neglected
• Bedwetting reversal, frequent headaches, and stomach aches
• Frequently ill, absent from school

More Information

Access other web information on child abuse at:

• Stop It Now!
• Keep Kids Healthy