How to Spot Signs of Child Abuse

According to DoSomething.org, approximately 5 children die every day because of child abuse, making child abuse more common than you think. We can all help by becoming aware of common signs of child abuse and helping those who can’t help themselves.
If you have concerns about a child’s well-being, refer to signs and symptoms below to help guide you in making a decision on if their safety is at risk.

• Odd or unexplained injuries that are often in a pattern or shape (such as an object, straight line, circle). These injuries are often accompanied a story that doesn’t support the injury properly or is unconvincing.
• Injuries to areas that are typically protected, such as the insides of the legs and arms, back, genitals, or buttocks.
• Changes to the story or how the injury happens.
• Previous injuries or injuries that aren’t tended to.
• Behavioral issues such change in school performance, reluctance to group activities, hygiene changes, or failure to thrive.
• Personality traits that consist of aggression, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues.
• Fear of going home, the dark, the person who is abusing them.
• Inappropriate behaviors such as sexual relations, language, drug and alcohol use, fighting, or running away.