How To Recognize Signs of Child Abuse
Volunteers for the National Child Protection Task Force constantly take on time-sensitive human trafficking and child exploitation cases. And although we are grateful for each opportunity to bring a child to safety, it'd be so much better to identify a problem before it turned into a missing person or child exploitation case. This is where we would like to partner with you.
Child abuse is a largely undetected problem throughout all communities. Yes - teachers, doctors, and other mandated reporters stand on the front lines, but we cannot leave a child's only hope in rescue solely to these already-pressed professionals. We all stand as advocates in the lives of children.
So why is child abuse recognition important?
Child abuse detection is human trafficking prevention. A child abused at home is more likely to run away, leaving them vulnerable to predators online or in-person. Understanding abuse and signs to look out for is an important part of the fight against human trafficking.
There are many categories of abuse and being aware of all of them protects those most vulnerable. These include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect.
A child being abused may not display all signs or many signs, but by learning them, you are better equipped to identify children in need. The hard reality is that a child at home isn’t necessarily safe at home.
General signs of abuse
Children who are abused, no matter what kind or combination, may display general signs such as
Social withdrawal
Mental Illness
Major behavior changes
Defiance
Self-harm and suicide attempts
Substance abuse
Decreased academic performance
Chronic absenteeism
Refusing to go home or be with specific person or group
Fear of authorities - an abused child may protect their abuser and refuse to report, fearing removal from their home
Physical abuse
A child being physically abused is at risk of harm or injury. Signs to look out for include
Unexplained injury or injury with questionable origin
Burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, black eyes, etc.
Severe fear of confrontation
Change in dress to cover bruises, lacerations, etc.
Sexual Abuse
Sexually abused children are more at risk for human trafficking. Sexual abuse doesn’t just consist of hands-on abuse, but also includes exposing the child to pornography or inappropriate sexual content such as dirty jokes or speech. Signs include
Inappropriate sexual knowledge for age
Blood in underwear
Trauma to anus or vagina
Difficulty sitting or walking
Reporting sexual abuse
Inappropriate sexual contact with others
Self-generated child sexual abuse material (sexual photos or videos at the request/manipulation of another)
UTI’s, STD’s, pregnancy, frequent yeast infections
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse could be constant threats, criticisms, humiliation, and other damaging effects to the child’s psychological well-being. Signs include
Low self-esteem
Lack of interest or excitement
Extreme attention-seeking behavior or people-pleasing
Reversion in developmental skills
Neglect
A child whose basic needs are not being met such as proper food, shelter, clothing, etc. may display signs of
Malnutrition
Poor hygiene
Lack of supervision
Frequent absences from school
Lack of medical care
Theft or borrowing necessities
Of course, this isn’t a comprehensive list, but gives you an idea of signs to look out for.
If a child in your social circle displays signs of abuse, report immediately. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911! If you suspect abuse, call the hotline now at https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/
We imagine a world where children wake up to experience childhood, feel safe and end each day looking forward to tomorrow.
With your help, we can do just that!