Signs A Child is Being Abused

   If you are a care giver for a child and are concerned for their well being. Please review the longer, more comprehensive pdf supplied by Child Help ( http://www.childhelp.org/page/-/pdfs/Child-Abuse-Definitions.pdf ). The following list is compiled mainly from this source, and contains only the more common symptoms.

• Physical Abuse
• Recurrent injuries with inconsistent or implausible excuses
• Unusually shaped bruises or injuries ( as if from an object)
• Injuries in uncommon locations, such as neck, back, underarms, etc.
• Burns, lacerations, welts ( especially in young children)
• Broken bones
• Wearing long sleeves or pants in warm weather
• Hair Loss
• Nightmares, Insomnia
• Regression
• Artwork or expression of violence
• Fear, withdrawal, depression

• Sexual Abuse
• Compulsive masturbation and/or the desire to teach others to masturbate
• Sexually acting out
• Unusual curiosity about sex and sexual topics
• Bleeding or injury to genitals ( complaints of pain or itching in these areas)
• Torn, bloody, or stained undergarments
• Frequent sore throats, yeast or urinary infections without explanation
• Bed wetting, soiling oneself, and playing with excrement 
• Difficulty sitting or walking
• STD / Pregnancy, particularly in early adolescences
• Expression of unusual sexual themes in school work or artwork
• Substance Abuse, running away, fire starting
• OCD or Depression
• Sleeping problems
• Fears or phobias
• Somatic symptoms

• Emotional Abuse
• Hiding or averting eyes
• Lowering gaze
• Forcing a smile
• Poor Self-esteem
• Depression
• Defensiveness, confusion, or denial
• Eating disorders, sleeping disorders, nightmares, speech disorders
• Suicide or suicide attempts
• Regression
• Difficulty in relationships
• Delayed development
• Nervous disorders

  It goes without saying that many of these symptoms on their own can exist without abuse being present. However, a number of them existing together should provide reasonably suspicious of abuse. Care takers who notice these symptoms should read the PDF file from which this list was compiled and follow the guidelines at the end for reporting.