Is Your Child a Victim?

Children of all ages need security that comes from being in a safe and secure environment.
However there are times when neither home, school, nor even the Church can adequately protect the child from becoming the victim of physical or psychological abuse.
In many cases the child will not, for fear or shame, speak out and report what is happening, but the signs of abuse are there if you know what to look for.

Changes in your child's behaviour are usually a sign that all is not well.

Your child may appear angry and get into fights more quickly, especially with sibling or classmates, without reasonable cause.

They may cry more often, more easily and for a longer time than usual.

They may be more demanding of your attention and time than usual.

They may be more demanding of your attention and time than usual. They may suddenly be afraid of the dark, certain people, certain places, and certain scenes may send them into a panic. A talkative child may suddenly lose his/her voice or say he/she is too tired to talk, while a normal quiet child may become the chatterbox.

Lose enthusiasm Amongst the most pronounced changes are with those children who lose their enthusiasm for school, church, a sport, a hobby or some other activity they really enjoyed because of being victimized. If your child suddenly does not wants to quit a team it could be a clue that he or she is trying to avoid a very uncomfortable situation.

Unfortunately, your child may show physical signs of abuse as well as behavioral, again without coming straight out and saying that something is wrong.

Unusually voracious appetite may indicate that your child has been missing meals despite your preparing breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Skin abrasions such as cuts, scrapes, punctures, bruises or swellings and lumps are red flags that should raise suspicion and provoke some form of inquiry.

The younger the child is the more important that wounds be investigated, to avoid long-term or irreversible injury.
All pain should be taken as an indicator that all is not well, and should be treated with the utmost urgency once discovered.
Parents, teachers, guardians of children, look out for signs of change in your child. Follow your suspicions by talking to your child in a patient, non-threatening manner.
Seek to regain the security and safety that your child needs in order to reach his/her full potential of productivity and development.
Listen to the signs of change.