How to Notice the Signs of Child Abuse
The US government claims that there were 872,000 reported cases of child abuse or neglect in 2004. Of course, there are countless other cases which were not reported. No child deserves to be mistreated, and it is of the utmost importance that everyone act within their abilities to protect them.
A New York foster care and adoption agency put together a list of warning signs to aid in the detection and reporting of child abuse, which include the following indicators:
A New York foster care and adoption agency put together a list of warning signs to aid in the detection and reporting of child abuse, which include the following indicators:
- a child who fails to thrive
- a child who is improperly dressed for the weather
- a child who wears ill-fitting clothing or clothing in poor condition
- a child left without adequate supervision who has been injured by another child in the home
- a child who has indicated that a parenting adult is withholding food
- a parenting adult failing to provide adequate hygiene or seek medical attention for a child
- a child suddenly exhibiting signs of depression
- a child who is always tired
- a child who is always late to school
- a child who rapidly gains a tremendous amount of weight
- a child who exhibits an unhealthy preoccupation with sex
- a child whose behavior changes noticeably in any way
a child who has indicated that a parenting adult is withholding food
and
a child who rapidly gains a tremendous amount of weight
Could be the same child...
"a child who exhibits an unhealthy preoccupation with sex
a child whose behavior changes noticeably in any way"
Could be pre-teens.
Don't we need better definitions.
My ex-wife has custody of our 14 year old son. He was emotionally depressed and was suicidal over the past few years. The ex was hesitant about taking him to a counselor but I did take him there. I was told he was depressed and that we should NEVER talk about the other former partner in front of him. He is constantly tired, he was brought into the truant officer last year when he was consistently late for school.
Recently I have been behind some on my alimony and child support payments. I am trying to get these caught up. I have a court date this Wednesday to determine all this. The ex-wife had my son tell me I would be arrested if I did not have all the money for her. He has not wanted to come to my home because of all the times she has told him to tell me things that are due and what is happening.
My question, is this abuse? She is manipulative and has demonstrated this numerous times. There was another instance where she threatened to through a small ceramic decoration into the face of our daughter because the daughter changed her mind on something. It is irrelevant why, but the fact of her making that comment to my daughter should have been enough for abuse. Am I right? Any help on this would certainly be appreciated.