Every person is different, and there are really no hard and fast rules to anything. So signs are child abuse can differ depending on the child. But usually, children have signs in common when it comes to abuse. Here are some signs that a child is being abused or neglected at home:
General Abuse Signs
-Sudden changes in behavior or school performance
-Seems withdrawn
-Child seems "on edge", or is watchful, as though something horrible is going to happen to them
-Seems to keep a distance from their parents/parent/guardian
-Often says that he/she does not like his/her parents or guardian
-Comes to school or other such functions late, too early, or stays late, often stated that they do not want to go home
Signs of Physical Abuse
-Has unexplained burns, marks, bruises, or other injuries
-Shows fear of his/her parents
-Shrinks when adults approach him/her
-Has fading bruises or other marks after being absent from school
Signs of Neglect
-Is frequently absent from school
-Begs for food or money
-Seems to lack medical or dental needs; says the parents refuse to give child medical or dental needs
-Is dirty or has severe body odor
-Lacks decent clothing or clothes that are not appropriate for the weather
-States that he/she has no home to go to
Signs of Sexual Abuse
-Has difficutly walking or sitting
-Refuses to change in front of others, such as in Locker Rooms for Gym
-Suffers from bedwetting
-Demonstrates unusual sexual knowledge
-Runs away
Signs of Verbal Abuse/Emotional Maltreatment
-Shows demanding or aggressive behavior
-Has attempted suicide
-Shows a lack of attachment to parent