To recognize child abuse, look for clusters of the following physical and behavioral symptoms:
- Burns, bite marks, cuts, bruises, or welts in the shape of an object
- Resistance to going home
- Fear of adults
- Apathy, depression
- Hostility
- Difficulty concentrating
- Inappropriate interest in or knowledge of sexual acts
- Seductiveness
- Avoidance of things related to sexuality, or rejection of own genitals or body
- Either overcompliance or excessive aggression
- Fear of a particular person or family member
- Clothing unsuited to the weather
- Being dirty or unbathed
- Extreme hunger
- Apparent lack of supervision
Warning Signs of Online Sexual Child Abuse
- Your child receives mail, gifts, or packages from someone you don’t know
- Your child becomes withdrawn from the family
- Your child is using an online account belonging to someone else
