This is one of the most well-known types of abuse and can range from cuts and bruises to broken bones and hospitalizations.

Signs of Physical Abuse:

– sudden changes in behavior

– dip in performance at school

– unexplained burns, bruises, broken bones or black eyes, fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school

– seems frightened of the caregiver and protests or cries when it’s time to go home, or shrinks at the approach of adults.

As much as one might think, sexual abuse isn’t always about physical contact. Anything regarding a child in a sexual manner whether it’s verbally, physically or emotionally can be considered abuse.

Signs of Sexual Abuse:

– change in body language

– difficulty sitting or walking

– reports of nightmares or bed wetting

– demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behaviors

– starts showing parts of their bodies

This type of abuse, like humiliating and criticizing, comes in a pattern of behaviors that harm a child’s emotional well-being and development.

Signs of Emotional Abuse:

– extreme behavioral changes

– either inappropriately adult or infantile

– delayed in physical or emotional development

– has attempted or has thoughts about suicide

– has a lack of attachment to caregiver