3 Good Signs Of Child Abuse

Child abuse is a very serious issue in America where many children suffer from it through the actions of their own parents. Because the issue is also very sensitive, many people over react while others under react to the signs that a child is indeed being the victim of abuse in their own homes.

Why They Over React?
As soon as someone sees a bruise on a child, they immediately call the authorities. The problem with this is that children are children, which means they are very active. They can get bruises just by playing sports, running and falling or even fighting with other children. There are many other causes which are more probable of being the cause of the bruise than actually child abuse. Yet, another adult would be quick to judge just based on this and now they have the authorities on innocent people.

Why They Under React?
Most people don't react soon enough because they don't want to get involved. They would rather mind their business then to save the life and mentality of an abuse child. Or they may just assume that the child shows bruises due to the child activities mentioned above.

Of course being able to decipher the difference is where many are weak. So hopefully people will look at these 3 signs that something is could be wrong and the child may need someone to intercede.
1) Withdrawal - One should notice if a child is withdrawn from others around them. If they seem afraid to interact then this is something to be looked at. Especially if this same child used to be very outgoing.

2) Aggressiveness - If a child is very aggressive towards others around them, then this is likely learned behavior. You should watch the child closely to make sure their aggressive ways aren't excessive to where they are abusive to other children.

3) Excessive Bruising - If a child has more bruises than a little bit and all too often, then you should look deeper into the situation by asking the child where they got it from. Most times than not, they will be afraid to say it was from their parent, so just watch their eyes and body movement as they respond. If they look down a lot, chances are they don't want to lie in your face.

Child abuse is a very "touchy" subject. No one wants to be the accuser, especially when the parents are innocent. You should bear in mind that although these are good signs, there can always be other explanations for them. Such as, an aggressive child can very well be active and clumsy at the same time and always falling. My son, although not aggressive, was very clumsy and always falling and hurting himself badly. He almost broke his nose at the age of two because he was running with his six year old brother, and fell on his nose. I could have easily been accused of child abuse by the doctor. Luckily he was our family pediatrician ever since my oldest was born so he knew us.

The main thing for an adult to do is ask questions. Talk to the child just to see their reactions and hear their answers. You should not over or under react until you have more information.

by NaQueen Zaire