| “Child abuse casts a shadow the length of a lifetime.” |
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The first step in helping abused children is learning to recognize signs of child abuse The presence of one sign does not necessarily prove that the child is being abused, however, if the signs are repetitive you should take a closer look into the situation. The following are some signs often associated with child abuse: - Shows changes in behaviour or school performance - Has difficulty concentrating - Is always watchful, as if they are preparing for something bad to happen - Lacks adult supervision - Comes to school early, stays late, and does not want to go home - Rarely touches or looks at parent/caregiver - State that they do not like their parent/caregiver  - Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes. - Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school. - Seems frightened of the parents and cries when it is time to go home. - Shrinks at the approach of adults.  - Has difficulty walking or sitting. - Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities. - Experiences a sudden change in appetite. - Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior. 
- Is frequently absent from school. - Begs or steals food or money. - Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses. - Is consistently dirty and has severe body odour. - Lacks proper clothing for the weather. - Abuses alcohol or other drugs. 
- Shows extremes in behaviour, like overly demanding behaviour, or aggression. - Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example). - Is delayed in physical or emotional development. - Has attempted suicide. - Reports a lack of attachment to the parent. 
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