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Signs of Abuse

The following are some of the signs of abuse. It is not a complete list, and abused children might show different signs, or might show only a few of these.

Physical signs

• A family member or friend is unusually interested in the child. Or, the child shows unusual behavior around this person.

• The child suddenly has money, new clothes or gifts with no reasonable explanation

• The presence of venereal disease, spermatozoa or pregnancy in children.

• Bruises, swelling, bleeding or other discharges from penis, vagina or anus or complaint of pain around the genitals.

• Bruising or other injuries to the back, back of the legs, buttocks, etc. which are unusual for normal child’s play.

• Consistent complaints of unexplained abdominal pain, headaches or other physical problems.

• The child has difficulty walking or standing.

• Clothes torn, stained or bloody

• Presence or pornographic material involving child (pictures, videos, drawings, etc)

Emotional and behavioral signs

• Child makes a report about abuse, either directly or indirectly, such as “One of my friends said …”

• Child shows extreme or unusual behavior around a particular gender, individual or place (for example, extreme reluctance to visit someone)

• Aggressive play and behavior – destructive, victimizing others, inappropriate expression of anger, hostility, ignoring other’s boundaries.

• Provocative behavior – deliberately acts to elicit punishment

• Or, the child tries to be excessively “good”

• Inhibited or depressed, hopeless about the future, cries without reason, feels powerless or is overly compliant.

• Regressive behavior – bed-wetting, thumb sucking, etc

• Behavior extremes – from aggressive to very inhibited

• Criminal behavior, petty crime or "getting into trouble," running away from home or skipping classes.

• Drug or alcohol use.

• Knowledge of sexual acts or sexualized behavior which is too advanced for age of child

• Extreme interest in, or extreme avoidance of, sexual issues

• Social difficulties

• Other behaviors associated with the effects of abuse.

Some children do not show any of these signs, or parents might not realize what the signs indicate.

Remember to tell your children: "If anyone does anything strange or scary to you, tell me right away."

For more help, please call Taiwan's telephone hotline "113".

All services provided by the Garden of Hope are strictly confidential.

Child safety starts with adults!