Possible Signs Of Child Abuse
1. Overly compliant, passive, undemanding behaviors.
These behaviors are frequently seen in severely abused children and are often adaptive in helping the child maintain a "low profile". Specific behaviors may include:
• Inhibited crying or verbal responses
• Overall sad demeanor
• Excessive self-control
• Overt fear of parents
2. Extremely aggressive, demanding and rageful behaviors
These behaviors are more often seen in mildly or inconsistently abused children whose behavior is net with inconsistent responses form the parent(s). Specific behaviors may include:
• Hyperactivity
• Temper tantrums
• Aggressive behaviors
• Indiscriminate seeking of affection
3. Overly adaptive behaviors
These behaviors may be in the form of role reversal in the parent-child relationship. These patterns are frequently found in children whose parents demonstrate unmet emotional needs and look inappropriately to their child to fulfill these needs. Specific behaviors may include:
• Inappropriate maturity
• Excessive concern for the parent's needs
• Overly dependent behavior
• Poor peer relationships
4. Lags in development
Many abused children will demonstrate developmental delays that can not be explained by organic or congenital causes. These may include:
• Delays in toilet training
• Speech and language delays
• Learning disabilities
• Delays in motor skill development
*Disclaimer – These red flags are not absolute indicators that a child has been abused. They should be seen as markers that abuse might be present when these indicators are seen in sufficient degree and number to be readily observable.
