Who abuses children?
Most often the abuser is someone the child knows, such as a parent, neighbor or relative. (But most adults are not abusers.)

Where does it happen?
Child abuse usually happens in the child's home. Sometimes it happens in other settings, such as a child-care center.(But this is fairly uncommon.)

Isn't child abuse rare? Each year, close to 3 million reports of suspected abuse are filed in the U.S. Many more cases may never get reported. One victim of child abuse is one too many.   TOP

Some signs of physical abuse:

* unexplained burns, bruises, black eyes or other injuries
* apparent fear of a parent or caretaker
* faded bruises or healing injuries after missing school

Some signs of sexual abuse:

* difficulty walking or sitting, or other indications of injury in the genital area
* sexual knowledge or behavior beyond what is normal for the child's age
* running away from home

Some signs of emotional abuse:

* acting overly mature or immature for the child's age
* extreme changes in behavior
* delays in physical or emotional development
* attempted suicide
* lack of emotional attachment to the parent

Some signs of neglect:

* missing school a lot
* begging for or stealing money or food
* lacking needed medical or dental care
* being frequently dirty
* using alcohol or other drugs
* saying there is no one at home to take care of him or her
(These signs don't prove that a child is being abused. But they could be a signal that the child and his or her family need help.)

Also, know the signs of an abusive adult. Consider the possibility of abuse if a parent or caretaker:

* seems unconcerned about the child's welfare at school or at home
* denies problems at school or at home - or blames the child for them
* sees the child as worthless or as a burden
* avoids discussing the child's injuries, or gives conflicting explanations for them
* abuses alcohol or other drugs
* seems isolated from other parents and school, and community activities
* uses harsh physical discipline or asks other caretakers to use it
* depends on the child for emotional support
* seems indifferent to the child
* seems secretive or tries to isolate the child from other children
* frequently blames, belittles or insults the child
(These signs don't prove that an adult Is an abuser. But they could be a signal that the adult and his or her family need help.)   TOP