The effects of abuse and neglect affect each child differently. While the effects can be severe and long-lasting, children who have been abused or exposed to violence can and do go on to have healthy and productive childhoods and adult lives. Children are resilient, and being able to discuss and guide our children through a recovery process is crucial to their success. It is often the first step towards healing.
Signs Of Neglect
- Clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the weather.
- Hygiene is consistently bad (unbathed, matted and unwashed hair, noticeable body odor).
- Untreated illnesses and physical injuries.
- Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments.
- Is frequently late or missing from school.
Symptoms Of Physical Abuse
- Frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts.
- Is always watchful and “on alert,” as if waiting for something bad to happen.
- Injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or belt.
- Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home.
- Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as long-sleeved shirts on hot days.
Helpful Links For Abuse & Neglect
- Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline - 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) to report suspected abuse.
- Childwelfare.gov - Most states have a toll-free number to call to report suspected child abuse or neglect. Childwelfare.gov has a state-by-state listing.
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