Although these signs do not necessarily indicate that a child has been abused, they may help adults recognize that something is wrong. The possibility of abuse should be investigated if a child shows a number of these symptoms, or any of them to a marked degree

Sexual Abuse
* Being overly affectionate or knowledgeable in a sexual way inappropriate to the child's age
* Medical problems such as chronic itching, pain in the genitals, venereal diseases
* Other extreme reactions, such as depression, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, running away, overdoses, anorexia
* Personality changes such as becoming insecure or clinging
* Regressing to younger behavior patterns such as thumb sucking or bringing out discarded cuddly toys
* Sudden loss of appetite or compulsive eating
* Being isolated or withdrawn
* Inability to concentrate
* Lack of trust or fear of someone they know well, such as not wanting to be alone with a babysitter or child minder
* Starting to wet again, day or night/nightmares
* Become worried about clothing being removed
* Suddenly drawing sexually explicit pictures
* Trying to be 'ultra-good' or perfect; overreacting to criticism

Physical Abuse
* Unexplained recurrent injuries or burns
* Improbable excuses or refusal to explain injuries
* Wearing clothes to cover injuries, even in hot weather
* Refusal to undress for gym
* Bald patches
* Chronic running away
* Fear of medical help or examination
* Self-destructive tendencies
* Aggression towards others
* Fear of physical contact - shrinking back if touched
* Admitting that they are punished, but the punishment is excessive (such as a child being beaten every night to 'make him study')
* Fear of suspected abuser being contacted

Emotional Abuse
* Physical, mental and emotional development lags
* Sudden speech disorders
* Continual self-depreciation ('I'm stupid, ugly, worthless, etc')
* Overreaction to mistakes
* Extreme fear of any new situation
* Inappropriate response to pain ('I deserve this')
* Neurotic behavior (rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation)
* Extremes of passivity or aggression

Neglect
* Constant hunger
* Poor personal hygiene
* Constant tiredness
* Poor state of clothing
* Emaciation
* Untreated medical problems
* No social relationships
* Compulsive scavenging
* Destructive tendencies

Note: A child may be subjected to a combination of different kinds of abuse. It is also possible that a child may show no outward signs and hide what is happening from everyone. The information above came from Kid Scape. More helpful information is available at Childhelp. Click on the following link for national and state hot line numbers Child Abuse Hot-line Numbers

I lived this type of life, and I know the devastating impact it has on a child's heart and mind. You want to do all you can to please the abuser, but nothing is ever enough.

Child abuse is hard, because children are left in situations where they have no choice, but to remain in it while they grow up. They are in the care of their abusers. Fear and love keep the children quiet. We as adults within our communities must pay attention to the signs and be their voice.

Children are killed by their parents, family members, and guardians. This is no revelation. We are exposed to these news stories on TV, in newspapers, in magazines, on the Internet, and on the radio. People may say, "Gee, something should be done about that. How can this be happening?" How many will actually report an incident which seems suspicious to them? Many, even in todays highly technical and educated age, just want to mind their own business and not get involved.

When people do not try to help or reach out to these kids who obviously look as though they are abused, they are saying that our children are not important. What future will our world have if our kids have to continue to experience these horrific abuses?

Nothing changes, if nothing changes. We can't just look out our windows and wait for problems in our communities to solve themselves. We want safer communities and homes. To have this safety, we must work for it and take an active part in helping the victims of abuse.

I hope, after leaving this page and site, you will understand the role of every person living in a community to report child abuse. I want everyone to get involved and end this madness. The kids in all communities whether rich or poor deserve to live without fear. They deserve to enjoy their childhoods, and live in safe homes. We must take a stand against child abuse. We must report what we see and hear. We must make our children primary within our society. We must make our homes and communities safe for them to grow up. They are the future.

In the above section, you will find links to sites providing numbers to help you take action and report child abuse within your own state. You may use the national numbers, as well. These numbers can help you to help the victims of child abuse by offering them options and ways to find safety from child abuse. Child abuse is disturbing and lives depend on what we do about it.

Stop saying your won't get involved or it is none of your business. Would you care if someone you trusted to care for your children were abusing them? Would you want someone to care and help bring about justice? Don't ever say it can never happen to you. Many people have said that and have lived to regret uttering those words. Let's all start caring for the children. They deserve to live safe and happy lives.

(Visit the links under the heading of Child Abuse in the Link Directory to find more information about Child Abuse and ways you can help.)