Signs of Abuse

Signs sometimes shown by individuals who are abused or impacted by violence:

Individuals express their feelings through behaviors and words. Everyone expresses themselves differently. Below is a list of common signs shown by children and adolescents who are being abused. It’s important to note that showing these signs does not verify that someone is being abused. Continue to monitor your loved one’s behavior over time. If you notice changes you are concerned about, speak with a mental health professional or call the Community Call Line at 612-813-8300 to speak with an advocate.

  • Changes in appetite or eating habits

  • Nightmares or other changes in sleeping patterns

  • Sudden bed wetting

  • Sexually inappropriate behavior

  • Explicit sexual knowledge, behavior, and/or language for their age

  • Regression in skills or abilities

  • Anger, aggressiveness

  • Mood changes; agitation, hyperactivity, irritability, fears, or phobias

  • Changes in school performance

  • Withdrawal from others; avoidance of school, friends, or activities

  • Rebelliousness, lying

  • Depression, suicide attempts

  • Unexplained illness; nausea or upset stomach, headache

  • Genital infections

  • Delinquent behaviors; truancy, alcohol or drug use, running away

  • Avoiding the offender or behavior shifts around a specific person

  • Change in play habits and the way they treat their playthings, for example:

    • Change in play habits

    • Inappropriate or over-sexualized play

    • Significant or sudden shift in aggressiveness or consistently aggressive

    • May appear to be going through a "phase"

If you have noticed these behaviors and are concerned about a child, adolescent, or vulnerable adult, speak with a mental health professional or call the Community Call Line at 612-813-8300.

You may also contact Child Protection Services to make a report.

Señales de Abuso

 

Stacey