Children who are abused may show physical and behavioral signs. You may be a child's only lifeline to safety. Pay attention to the treatment of children around you. Child abuse is everyone's business. If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected in Nevada, call (800) 992-5757.
-- Children who have been abused or neglected may be:
Nervous around adults or afraid of certain adults
Reluctant to go home or staying out late
Coming to school early
Very passive and withdrawn
Aggressive and disruptive
Tired often or complaining of nightmares
Fearful and anxious
Show sudden changes in behavior or school performance
-- Possible signs of physical abuse:
Unexplained burns, bruises and other injuries
Apparent fear of a parent or caretaker
Bruises in various stages of healing
-- Possible signs of sexual abuse:
Difficulty walking or sitting, or other indications of injury to the genital area
Sexual knowledge or behavior beyond what is normal for the child's age
Running away from home
-- Possible signs of neglect:
Missing school frequently
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 care for them
-- Possible signs of emotional abuse:
Acting overly mature or immature for their age
Extreme changes in behavior
Delays in physical or emotional development
Attempted suicide
Lack of emotional attachment to the parent
-- Signs of an abusive adult (parent or caretaker). These signs don't prove that an adult is abusive, but they could be a signal that the adult and his or her family need help:
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
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 and/or insults the child
