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Child abuse happens when someone caring for a child hurts his/her feelings or body. It can happen to boys or girls in any family. ¹ Child abuse can take several forms: physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect. ²

What are the signs of child abuse? How can you know that your child has been abused?

Kids often have a hard time speaking up about abuse. So it is very important to know the warning signs of child abuse ³

In case of physical abuse:

1. Come home with unexplained bruises especially in places kids don’t usually get bruises.
2. Changes in their normal behavior, the kid may become very quiet and sad, or very angry, or may seem afraid of their parents or other adults.
3. Appear frightened around the caregiver or other adults.

In case of emotional abuse:

1. Display behavioral problems or changes. Abused children often show extremes in behavior; a normally calm child may act in a demanding and aggressive manner.
2. Become less talkative or stop communicating almost completely, or display signs of a speech disorder such as stuttering.
3. Complain of headaches or stomach-aches that have no medical cause.

Dr Zeinab El Tahesh

Pediatrician

¹https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/child-abuse.html

Reviewed by: Stephanie A. Deutsch, MD

²https://www.childhelp.org/child-abuse/

³https://www.thewholechild.org/parent-resources/age-0-5/how-to-identify-child-abuse-ages-0-5/

November 24, 2018