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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

The mission of A.T.T.A.C.A is to bring awareness to the issue of child abuse. One of the things you can do to help is to be aware of signs and systems of abuse, so you are better able to spot them if you are around children. The following information is compiled from the Mayo Clinic.

Specific signs and symptoms depend on the type of abuse and can vary. Keep in mind that warning signs are just that — warning signs. The presence of warning signs doesn’t necessarily mean that a child is being abused.

A child who’s being abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. He or she may be afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent, other relative or family friend. In fact, the child may have an apparent fear of parents, adult caregivers or family friends. It’s vital to watch for red flags, such as:

  • Withdrawal from friends or usual activities
  • Changes in behavior — such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity — or changes in school performance
  • Depression, anxiety or unusual fears or a sudden loss of self-confidence
  • An apparent lack of supervision
  • Frequent absences from school or reluctance to ride the school bus
  • Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he or she doesn’t want to go home
  • Attempts at running away
  • Rebellious or defiant behavior
  • Attempts at suicide

Physical abuse signs and symptoms

  • Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
  • Injuries that don’t match the given explanation
  • Untreated medical or dental problems

Emotional abuse signs and symptoms

  • Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
  • Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
  • Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm
  • Depression
  • Headaches or stomach aches with no medical cause
  • Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
  • Desperately seeks affection
  • A decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school
  • Loss of previously acquired developmental skills

Sexual abuse signs and symptoms

  • Sexual behavior or knowledge that’s inappropriate for the child’s age
  • Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection
  • Blood in the child’s underwear
  • Statements that he or she was sexually abused
  • Trouble walking or sitting or complaints of genital pain
  • Abuse of other children sexually

Neglect signs and symptoms

  • Poor growth or weight gain
  • Poor hygiene
  • Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs
  • Taking food or money without permission
  • Eating a lot in one sitting or hiding food for later
  • Poor record of school attendance
  • Lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental or psychological problems or lack of necessary follow-up care
  • Emotional swings that are inappropriate or out of context to the situation
  • Indifference

Parental Behavior

Sometimes a parent’s demeanor or behavior sends red flags about child abuse. Warning signs include a parent who:

  • Shows little concern for the child
  • Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in the child
  • Denies that any problems exist at home or school, or blames the child for the problems
  • Consistently blames, belittles or berates the child and describes the child with negative terms, such as “worthless” or “evil”
  • Expects the child to provide him or her with attention and care and seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child
  • Uses harsh physical discipline or asks teachers to do so
  • Demands an inappropriate level of physical or academic performance
  • Severely limits the child’s contact with others
  • Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child’s injuries or no explanation at all

Be A Hero for kids

You can support the cause of putting an end to child abuse by becoming a member of A.T.T.A.C.A.

With your membership, you’ll receive a commemorative Challenge Coin to carry with you or display that will remind you of our cause to Protect America’s Children. You’ll also receive an official A.T.T.A.C.A. decal that will look great on your truck, car, computer, toolbox, or anywhere else.

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