The following signs and symptoms of distress are meant to act as a GUIDE only. The list contains signs that MAY be present if abuse has occurred. Not all of the symptoms need to be present to indicate that a child has been abused; nor does the presence of these behaviors automatically mean that abuse has taken place.
- Loss of appetite
- Extremely aggressive and/or passive
- Listlessness & fatigue
- Regressive behaviors (crying, clinging, bed wetting, etc.)
- Poor hygiene
- Fear of individuals or locations
- Nightmares and sleep disorders
- Explicit or bizarre sexual knowledge and/or touching of others' genitals
- Substance abuse
- Unexplained gifts/extra money
- Developmental lags
- School absences
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Depression
- Pain, soreness, irritation, or infections in the genital area
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR KIDS... As parents and caregivers, you could be the first to notice changes in your child's behavior.
