Health Tip: Warning Signs of Child Abuse

(HealthDay News) -- Many children who are being abused are afraid or unable to talk to someone about what''s happening to them.

Nonetheless, there are warning signs of child abuse that a teacher, neighbor parent, caretaker, or friend can observe.

The Child Welfare Information Gateway offers this list of possible symptoms:

• Sudden behavior changes or changes in the quality of school work.
• Difficulty concentrating that cannot be attributed to other factors.
• Unattended medical needs that have been brought to a caretaker''s attention.
• Acting withdrawn or generally disinterested.
• Feelings or facial expressions suggesting that something bad is always about to happen.
• Avoiding the home or abuser, and arriving early and staying late for activities.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Jan. 18, 2007

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