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Children who
are victims of abuse must depend on the adults in their lives to pay attention
to warning signs, believe them when they tell us something is wrong, and respond responsibly.
While no one indicator alone can tell you if a child is being abused or
neglected, there are often perceptible warning signs that serve as indicators to
caring adults in any child's life. In some cases there may be no outward
signs beyond what a child reveals either verbally or behaviorally.
Signs
of Physical Abuse:
- Bruises,
welts, burns that cannot be sufficiently explained
- Injuries
on places where children don't usually get hurt (the back, neck,
back of legs, face)
- Repeated
injuries
- Withdrawn,
fearful or extreme behavior
Signs
of Sexual Abuse:
- Difficulty
walking or sitting
- Pain
or itching in the genital area
- Torn,
stained or bloody underclothing
- Frequent
complaints of stomachaches or headaches
- Chronic
depression
- Withdrawal
- Feeling
threatened by physical contact
- Inappropriate
sex play or premature understanding of sex
- Running
away from home
Signs
of Emotional Injury:
- Inability
to play as most children do
- Sleep
problems
- Antisocial
behavior
- Behavioral
extremes
- Lags
in emotional and intellectual growth
Signs
of Neglect:
- Chronically
dirty or unbathed
- Chronic
school absences
- Dress
inadequate for weather
- Left
alone
- Left
in the care of siblings too young to baby-sit
- Often
fatigued - even falling asleep in school
- Hunger
- Self
destructive feelings or behavior
Click below for information:
Signs &
Symptoms of Abuse & Neglect
Handling Disclosures
Reporting Abuse & Neglect
Support & Healing Resources
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Berkshire County Kids' Place & Violence Prevention Center
is a Children's Advocacy Center
providing services to victims of child abuse and their non-offending
family members. The Kids' Place is a
Berkshire
United Way agency and a full member of the
National
Children's Alliance.
Eligibility: Services at the Kids' Place are free and
available to victims of child abuse, children who witness domestic
violence and non-offending family members.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Fridays, 8:00
am to 5:00 pm.
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