SARC Child Abuse Information
If you suspect or have been a victim of child abuse:
- Call SARC. You do not have to go through this alone.
Signs of Child Abuse
- Unexplained bruises, burns, bite marks, abrasions, welts, fractures, joint dislocations, broken bones
- Complains of aches or pains (these can be real or somatic)
- Detachment/Withdrawal from others
- Anger/Aggression
- Self destructive behaviors
- Regressed behaviors (e.g., thumb sucking, bedwetting past the appropriate developmental age)
- Poor self-esteem
- Fear of adults
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts
- Self-Injury
- Difficulty sustaining focus, especially in school
- Poor academic performance
- Discomfort in response to physical contact
- Wearing clothing that are inappropriate to the weather (e.g. long sleeves and pants during warm weather, clothing intended to cover the body)
- Fearful or resistant to returning home (may attempt running away)
- Frequently absent from school or tardy
- Failure to thrive
Talking to Your Child About Abuse
If Your Child Discloses Abuse:
- Remain open-minded and non-judgmental
- Be compassionate
- Remain calm
- Assure your child that you believe him/her
- Stress to your child that he/she is not to blame
- Stress to your child that you are not angry with him/her and that he/she is not in trouble
- Praise your child for their honesty
Promoting Awareness:
- Discuss differences between secrets vs. surprises
- Body awareness
- Good touch vs. bad touch
- Appropriate vs. inappropriate play
- Stranger awareness/safety
- Boundaries with adults
- Identify safe people for your child to confide in