Learn the Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
![img-1](data:image/svg+xml;base64,PD94bWwgdmVyc2lvbj0iMS4wIiBlbmNvZGluZz0idXRmLTgiPz4KICAgICAgICA8c3ZnIHhtbG5zPSJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnczLm9yZy8yMDAwL3N2ZyIgeG1sbnM6eGxpbms9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzE5OTkveGxpbmsiIHdpZHRoPSI4NDkiIGhlaWdodD0iNTY2IiB4PSIwcHgiIHk9IjBweCIgdmlld0JveD0iMCAwIDEwMCAxMDAiIGVuYWJsZS1iYWNrZ3JvdW5kPSJuZXcgMCAwIDAgMCIgeG1sOnNwYWNlPSJwcmVzZXJ2ZSI+CiAgICAgICAgPC9zdmc+)
Some signs of child abuse are more obvious than others. Here are some common signs of abuse:
- Has a child’s behavior changed? Do they experience fear, anxiety, depression, aggression or withdrawal?
- Is the child afraid to go home or to see certain individuals?
- Is a child showing overly sexualized behavior or using sexual language that is inappropriate for the child’s age?
- Have you noticed changes in a child’s sleeping patterns including frequent nightmares or difficulty falling asleep? Does the child look tired?
- Have you noticed changes in school performance and attendance, such as being unable to concentrate in class or frequent absences?
- Have a child’s eating habits changed leading to weight gain or loss?
- Do you see signs of visible unexplained injuries such as burns, bruises, or broken bones?
- Is a child using drugs or alcohol?
This information is provided by SafeHorizon child abuse resource center of New York and is used by permission.
Copyright © 2016 SafeHorizon