Recognizing Abuse

Children may have some of the following symptoms as a result of abuse:

• Nausea/upset stomach
• Crying
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Withdrawal from others
• Clinging to parents
• Change in school performance
• Sexually inappropriate behavior
• Lying
• Change in appetite
• Nightmares
• Anger and mood changes
• Avoidance of school/friends
• Aggressiveness
• Rebelliousness
• Fears and phobias
• Attention-seeking

Children react differently depending on age, extent of abuse, support from others and their relationship to the offender.  The single most important factor affecting the child’s recovery is the level of support from the mother or caregiver. If you do everything you can to support your child, the chances of recovery are much greater.