What should you look for to tell if a child is a victim of abuse?
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Without going into too much detail, what kind of signs should I look for to know if a child has been, or is being, physically abused? ![]() |
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Answers (2)

Yes, agree with Margaret on the suggested warning signs. Depending on the age of the child, there might also be separation anxiety or a desire to leave school to be at home. There might also be school refusal as the child could be worried about the parent at home who could possibly be being harmed/abused as well.
Sometimes the child is told to keep the abuse a secret or threatened with further harm to themselves or a loved one/pet if they tell so often we might just see behaviour and physical changes rather than a verbal disclosure from the young person.


There are a wide range of indicators that might point towards abuse and often these things are picked up over a period of time with different things being noticed. There are certainly physical signs at times, such as bruising, scratches, burns or fractures but there are also many other indicators that are not so visible. Some children will become withdrawn and others will act out in aggression. Some children might make a verbal disclosure and others might tell stories or draw pictures that leave you wondering about what might be happening in that child's life. There are courses available that can help you learn more about the signs of abuse and neglect if you are interested in learning more.
