How can I tell if my child is being abused?
If your child has been away from you for a long time-be it with a nanny, with a trusted family friend or relative, or in the daycare center-it's natural to care about his safety.
Like any parent, you may want to know if you can judge whether your child is abused or not.
Some parents mistakenly ignore signs of abuse because they don't want to face what is happening.
Most Abusive persons are family members, which makes it more difficult to accept this situation.
On the other hand, even if you do pay attention to physical symptoms and behavioral changes that may point to abuse, it's hard to figure out exactly what's going on.
"You're always playing guessing games," said Kathy Baxter, director of the San Francisco child abuse committee . ".
"There may be many other reasons why children are picky or become withdrawn.
But parents are really good at getting to know their children, so you have to try to put a photo together and do it with your intuition.
"If your child is old enough to communicate well, Baxter suggests asking him questions on a regular basis, like," Is there anything you don't like happening today ? "?
"Or" Have you ever been scared at daycare?
"If he is used to telling you what makes him uncomfortable, he is more likely to tell you when anything goes badly wrong.
"When it comes to abuse and neglect, most children tell the truth," Baxter said . ".
"But in most cases they don't want.
They don't want to put the man in trouble.
They feel guilty.
Because they are terrible, they may feel like it's happening.
"If your child can't tell you what's going on (
Because he's too young or not very sociable.
It may be more difficult to point out abuse.
All you can do is keep an eye on him and look for signs that everything is not going well.
Some parents will only find signs of abuse when taking their child to a doctor, such as internal bleeding and injuries, because he will not stop crying or being overly picky.
Emotional abuse (
(Such as threats or constant criticism)
More difficult to find.
Baxter says there are about 3 million child abuse reports every year across the country, with the highest risk being children under the age of 5.
The signs of observing children who are physically abused may be: Cry and fight when it's time to go to daycare or babysitter or look scared around caregivers or other adults. (
Of course, this may also be a normal reaction to separation.
Again, you need to consider other factors, including your intuition. )
Show other sudden behavior or performance changes in daycare or school.
Go home with unexplained bruises, bruises, burns, fractures, black eyes, wounds, bite marks or other injuries.
Repeated damage of any type is a warning signal.
Rib fractures, long backbone fractures, or bruises in any infant who has not yet walked or had mobility problems should raise concerns about abuse.
Learn the Signs of shaking baby syndrome if your child is still a baby (SBS)
The doctor called it head trauma.
Read our full article on SBS.
SBS usually happens when babies are angry.
In extreme cases, abuse involves bumping the child's head into hard objects, such as walls or floors.
When the baby has SBS, it may not be visible immediately even if it is a serious injury.
Shaking Baby injuries usually occur in children younger than one year old, although this syndrome sometimes occurs in children 5 years old.
A baby with SBS looks calm.
The eyes look stiff, sleepy and irritable.
He may also have a reduced appetite, difficulty eating, or vomiting.
Any of these symptoms, combined with unexplained bruises in infants, are a strong indicator of abuse.
In severe cases, the baby may not be able to focus or raise his head.
Or she may lose consciousness or have difficulty breathing.
She may also have a seizure or coma.
If you suspect your child has SBS, call 911 right away.
Every moment is to minimize the damage caused by the baby's head injury.
Children who are emotionally abused May: show behavioral problems or changes, such as avoiding parental feelings, or become too sticky.
Abused children tend to show extremes in behavior: a child who is usually extroverted and confident may become unusually passive, while a child who is usually mild may act in an aggressive manner.
Become less talkative, or almost completely stop communicating, or show signs of language barriers, such as stuttering.
Improper behavior of adults or babies.
For example, a child may become overprotective and "parent" to other children, or revert to acts such as swinging and banging the head.
Complain about headaches or stomach pains without medical reasons.
He may have lost his appetite.
Show terrible behavior, such as nightmare or difficult sleep.
Or he might act as if he was waiting for something bad to happen.
Children who suffer sexual abuse may: pain, itching, bleeding or bruising at or around the genital area.
It is difficult to walk or sit, possibly because of pain in the genitals or anus.
Show knowledge, curiosity, or behavior other than age (
For example, an obsession with sexual issues, or an attractive behavior towards peers or adults).
Keep it secret or want to be alone most of the time.
Keep in mind, however, that most children who have been sexually abused do not have any physical findings or complaints.
There are no signs to note in your child's caregiver that parents want to think that his child's caregiver is abusive or neglected-especially if the caregiver is a family member.
But if your child's caregiver: Provides a conflict or convincing explanation for bruises or injuries, there is no explanation for bruises or injuries. Describe in an extremely negative way that your child is constantly demeaning your child seems to be isolated from your child or very jealous or controlled by family members, and seems harsh in terms of discipline. (
Abuse is often caused by excessive or inappropriate physical training. )
If you have concerns about the possibility of abuse, don't delay taking action.
The sooner you solve the problem, the better for your child.
If you suspect child abuse, please read what to do carefully.
Ask for help if you are worried that you may abuse your child.
It can be difficult and frustrating to be a parent.
Contact a friend or relative who can help you take care of your child.
Or call a local family support center or community mental health agency.
Crying babies are the most common triggers for shaking or other abuse.
Learn about the 12 reasons babies cry and how to appease them.