- Acting withdrawn or detached
- Acting out at home, school, or in social settings
- Excessive or unusual clinginess
- Sudden mood swings
- Self-injury
- Changes in eating patterns
- Running away
- Knowledge of sexual activity more extensive than expected for their stage of development
- Alludes to secret knowledge
Learn the Signs
Children who have been abused may display a wide variety of emotional, behavioral, or physical signs and symptoms. And, sometimes they may not display any symptoms at all.
What is most important is that if you notice changes in a child that you let them know you are concerned, want to help, and that they can come to you for anything and you will not be upset.
The signs below do not necessarily mean abuse is happening, but can serve as a guide to understanding an abused child’s behavior.