Children who have been abused often show many different types of signs and symptoms. Children may regress to earlier developmental periods and show other changes that are out of the ordinary for them. Here are just a few of the various symptoms you may encounter that could indicate a child has been traumatized.
Children may have some of the following symptoms as a result of abuse:
- Nausea/upset stomach
- Change in appetite
- Crying
- Nightmares
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Anger and mood changes
- Withdrawal from others
- Avoidance of school/friends
- Clinging to parents
- Aggressiveness
- Change in school performance
- Rebelliousness
- Sexually inappropriate behavior
- Fears and phobias
- Lying
- Attention-seeking
The CAC and other community agencies offer services to help your child overcome the effects of trauma. Children react differently depending on age, extent of abuse, support from others, and their relationship with the offender. The single most important factor affecting the child’s recovery is the level of support from the caregiver. It is this simple. If you do everything you can to support your child, the chances of recovery are much greater. If you feel torn between loyalty to your child and loyalty to the offender, the CAC has services available to help you sort it out.