How Children React to Abuse
The Emotions & Reactions of Abuse
Each child may react differently but may show some of these emotions or thoughts:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Depression
- Fear of punishment or retaliation
- Feeling alone
- Guilt
- Hurt
- Loss of love from significant other
- Relief that the "secret" is known
- Shame or humiliation
- Worry
These emotional and physical symptoms are natural, and may occur in combination. For some children, these may occur time and time again.
Signs of Abuse
- Changes in behavior
- Changes in eating and sleeping patterns
- Changes in school performance and attendance
- Fear of going home
- Inappropriate sexual behaviors
- Lack of personal hygiene or care
- Returning to earlier behaviors
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Unexplained injuries