Local Advocate Scott Juceam Explains The Warning Signs Of Child Abuse

Online, August 9, 2010 (Newswire.com) - As part of his effort to decrease child abuse in the country, Scott Juceam has taken to his personal blog to explain the warning signs of child abuse.

"Many Americans have never had to report a child abuse, but you never know when you may have to," notes Scott. "Since you are unlikely to see abuse firsthand unless you live with the child, one of the best ways to properly identify abuse is to look for warning signs. Keep in mind that you should never investigate abuse on your own, or confront the parents yourself. You should always report suspected abuse to the proper authorities."

1. Malnourishment
A child who looks malnourished may be facing the less reported type of child abuse known as neglect. This is when a child is not being given the basic things they need to survive and thrive happily. If a child simply does not want to eat on a regular basis, it could mean they are facing a sort of abuse that makes them depressed. Other signs of neglect include a child who is often dirty and unkempt or sick.

2. Sudden Change of Behavior
Any sudden changes in behavior may be the sign of abuse. A lot of children are shy, but if a particular child is suddenly or absurdly withdrawn from people, there may be something more wrong. No child should have an irrational fear of all adults who are not strangers. A child who does begin to behave scared around adults, or reacts dramatically when touched by an adult, may be a victim of abuse.

3. Infant Abuse
An infants' inability to speak makes it harder to tell if an infant has been abused, but there are signs you can look for. Obvious signs of physical abuse or neglect can be found the same way as with children. If a baby is a victim of shaken baby syndrome they could show any of the following signs: trouble lifting or moving head, unresponsive or dilated pupils, blood in eyes, paleness or bluish skin, vomiting, lethargic behavior.

4. Physical Marks of Abuse
Scrapes and cuts are common for an adventurous child, but reoccurring bruises, burns, or other injuries are a major red flag. Injuries that are most likely not incurred during play are bruises on the back or stomach, cigarette burns, large patterned bruises (possibly the shape of an adult hand), or unexplained facial injuries.

5. Unexplained Learning Problems
A child who was a normal or excelled student before, then suddenly has learning problems, may be facing abuse. This is due to a child's inability to process the stress they may be facing outside of school, leading to a decrease in homework completion, lack of sleep, and an overall distracted or depressed demeanor.

6. Happy to be Away
If a child is always early and the last to leave, or always seems glad to be away from home, this could be a sign of abuse. A child's fear of going home is a more obvious sign, and should certainly be followed up on.

7. Tiredness
Children who face abuse at home may have an extremely difficult time sleeping, due to their fear of being attacked. If a child is regularly looking overly tired or falling asleep, contact the proper authorities. This can also go the other way, if a child has an extremely hard time sleeping during naptime, refusing to close their eyes.

8. Poor Self-Image
Generally speaking, children should not have a strong concept of low self-esteem, nor should they experience it. If a child shows signs that they dislike their body, or self, it could mean they are being physically or emotionally abused. Children often do not know what to make of abuse, and end up blaming themselves for what happens to them. Adults who abuse children may also put these ideas in their head.