What are the signs of child abuse?

If you suspect that a child has suffered child abuse in Massachusetts, there are certain signs to which you should be alert and that typically indicate child abuse has occurred.

Signs of Physical Child Abuse 

Physical abuse occurs when a child has suffered bodily harm from an adult. Hitting, choking, burning, and shaking are common forms of physical abuse

Signs that indicate physical child abuse include:

• recurring bruises
• unexplained injuries
• a child's tendency of aggression toward others
• a fear of physical contact.

Signs of Psychological/Emotional Child Abuse

Emotional abuse can mean excessive ridicule, name-calling, or the humiliation of a child. This can lead to behavioral disorders like extreme aggression, extreme passivity, self-mutilation, and poor physical or mental development.

Signs of Child Sexual Abuse 

Child sexual abuse (CSA) occurs when an adult or adolescent is involved in any sexual activity with a child. This may be the indecent exposure of genitals to a child, actual physical sexual contact, or involving a child in child pornography.

Signs of sexual abuse in a child include:

• sexual knowledge that is inappropriate for their age
• depression
• clinginess
• regression to infantile behavior such as thumb-sucking or bed-wetting

Signs of Child Neglect 

Child neglect is the failure of an adult to provide a child with their basic needs such as food, clothing, or hygiene, as well as emotional support, a proper education (failing to send a child to school), and the necessary medical care.

Signs of neglect include:

• poor hygiene
• hunger
• destructiveness
• untreated medical conditions

If there is any indication that a child you know has been abused in Massachusetts you should contact Massachusetts social services immediately.

Next, it would be in your best interest to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney that specializes in child abuse in Massachusetts. It is important that the lawyer has handled these types of cases and that they understand child abuse.

The attorneys at Phillips & Garcia will fight for your rights in your child abuse lawsuit. We are committed to protecting you and your child's best interests and helping you collect the damages your family needs and deserves to move on with your lives. If you or someone you know has been a victim of child abuse, contact Phillips & Garcia today to schedule your FREE legal consultation