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Keep in mind, though, that most children who are sexually abused have no physical signs or complaints, so it's important to pay attention to signs of abuse and investigate behavioral changes. Be secretive or want to be alone much of the time.Demonstrate sexual knowledge, curiosity, or behavior beyond their age (obsessive curiosity about sexual matters, for example, or seductive behavior toward peers or adults).Have difficulty walking or sitting, possibly because of genital or anal pain.Have pain, itching, bleeding, or bruises in or around the genital area.
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(Though nightmares and night terrors can be normal in kids as well.)Ī child who has been sexually abused may: Or they may act as if they're waiting for something bad to happen. Exhibit fearful behavior, such as nightmares or trouble sleeping.Complain of headaches or stomach aches that have no medical cause.For example, a child may revert to behaviors like rocking and head banging. Become less talkative or stop communicating almost completely.Abused children often show extremes in behavior: A normally outgoing and assertive child may become unusually passive, while a generally mild child may act in an aggressive manner. Display behavioral problems or changes such as shunning a parent's affections – or becoming excessively clingy.Signs of emotional abuseĪ child who has been emotionally abused may: Every moment counts in terms of minimizing the damage from a baby's head injury. If you suspect your child is suffering from shaken baby syndrome, call 911 right away. They may also have seizures or be in a coma. Or they may be unconscious or have difficulty breathing. In severe cases, a baby may be unable to focus on an object or lift their head. A combination of any of these symptoms with unexplained bruising in an infant is a strong indicator of abuse. They may also have a decreased appetite, have difficulty feeding, or be vomiting. Shaken baby syndrome usually happens to children who are younger than a year old, though it can affect kids as old as 5.Ī child with shaken baby syndrome may seem glassy-eyed and appear rigid, lethargic, and irritable. When a baby has shaken baby syndrome, even severe injuries may not be immediately visible. In extreme cases of abusive head trauma, the abuse involves hitting a child's head against a hard object, like the wall or the floor. Shaken baby syndrome usually happens when babies are violently shaken. If your child is still a baby, learn the signs of shaken baby syndrome – which doctors call abusive head trauma. Any rib fracture, long bone fracture, or bruising in a baby who isn't yet walking or very mobile should raise concerns about abuse. Repeated injuries of any type are a warning sign. Come home with unexplained bruises, abrasions, burns, broken bones, black eyes, cuts, bite marks, or other injuries.Show other sudden changes in behavior or performance at daycare or school.Again, you'll need to factor in other things, including your instincts.) (Of course, this could also be normal separation anxiety. Cry and put up a fight when it's time to go to daycare or a sitter's, or appear frightened around the caregiver or other adults.What you can do is keep a close eye on them for signs that all is not well. If your child can't tell you what's going on (because they're too young or not very communicative), pinpointing abuse can be even more difficult. They may feel it happened because they were bad." They don't want to get the person in trouble. "When it comes to abuse and neglect, most kids tell the truth," Baxter says. If your child is old enough to communicate well, regularly asking them questions such as, "Did anything happen to you today that you didn't like?" or "Have you ever been frightened at daycare?" If they're in the habit of telling you what makes them uncomfortable, they'll be more likely to tell you when anything is seriously amiss. But parents are really good at knowing their children, so you have to try to put together a picture and go with your gut instinct." "A child could have many other reasons for being fussy or becoming withdrawn. "You're always playing a guessing game," says Kathy Baxter, director of the San Francisco Child Abuse Council.