Physical child abuse can be identified by bruises, broken bones, scars or burns without valid explanations. Abused children may hide their wounds and wear intrusive clothing. Abusers may use belts, punches, and cause head damage. Emotional harm and defensive body language may accompany physical abuse. Shaken baby syndrome is a common reason for loss of life among physically abused children.
Bruises, broken bones, scars or burns without valid explanations are the hallmarks of physical child abuse. Unusual marks that eventually form strange-looking bruises on the skin are often indications of abuse. Abused children tend to hide their wounds by wearing intrusive clothing that they are reluctant to take off. If a guardian or teacher detects bodily harm, you should contact the appropriate authorities immediately.
If using a belt, there may be pink welts that are longer than wide. There may also be bruising within the area. The size of the welts is determined by the size of the belt and the amount of force used. Abusers will generally strike the buttocks or limbs, facilitating excessive bruising.
Abusers may also use punches, which can create round bruises with a relatively dark center. Persons who physically abuse children may use clenched fists to deliver blows to the face, head and chest. The hallmarks of head damage are black and blue eyes, swollen lips, and damaged skin.
Regardless of the means of abuse used, the child can have a deteriorated look about them. Emotional harm usually accompanies physical child abuse, sometimes manifesting itself in how the child communicates with the world. Defensive body language for no apparent reason or being socially aloof among peers can manifest as a byproduct of physical child abuse.
Young children, who may not be able to clearly communicate pain, are at risk of being abused. Young children are especially susceptible to bruises on their foreheads, as they are constantly tripping over things. and regular bruising can occur on the knees, elbows, and forehead. The size of the bruise and how often it occurs can turn even normal bruises into suspicious bruises. Bruises that may be considered suspicious may be discovered on the chest and genitals, as these areas are not normally damaged by normal, day-to-day play. Injuries and damage evident in these areas can potentially mean they were created intentionally.
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a common reason for loss of life among children who are physically abused. The syndrome is caused by excessive shaking of a baby, creating a whiplash motion. The most typical symptom of SBS is excessive crying, accompanied by feeding problems and difficulty toilet training. Depending on the force used and the size of the child, indicators of child physical abuse are damage to the retina, tremors, neck bruising, vomiting and seizures.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
