by Lori Davis

Created on: June 21, 2008   Last Updated: December 26, 2009

Why shouldn't we heed the warnings of child abuse and neglect? That is the true question here. We should recognize the signs, but not turn our backs. It is a disgrace how many precious children are being abused and neglected, but even more devastating are the cases that go unnoticed. Understand that all children do have imaginations and a sense of rebellion, but children give many warning signs when they are victims of abuse that go far beyond the imaginary.

Usually an abused child has very low self-esteem, in other words, insulting themselves quite often. these children can be overly aggressive as well as displaying extreme anger. On the other hand, some are very distant and withdrawn. We must realize that all victims will have some similarities and some differences in the signs they display, but there are always signs. The key is recognizing these signs and the significant pattern or cycle of behavior from the child as well as the abuser. The victim will be skittish and timid in the presence of their abuser, and will have a sense of shyness.

 An abused child so eagerly desires to please the one that hurts them, and feels guilty for "letting them down". This is the mind set of children that are abused. The neglected child will have poor hygiene, and they will do almost anything for attention even if the attention is harsh. These victim's also have a jealous demeanor and will be clingy towards one that shows them love, kindness, and uplifts them. There are so many more signs of child abuse and neglect, and people need to be educated on them and learn how to distinguish between abuse and rebellion. No one should ever ignore the signs, and when a child that is a victim of such acts looks in your eyes, there you will see a silent cry for help. They have lifeless personalities most of the time, and their all around character is quite different than that of a child that is well and happy.

 If we fail to heed the signs of child abuse and neglect, we fail the helpless child. These victims cannot speak for themselves, by all means, speak for them when they are crying out to you with none other than the "signs". So many children are crying out for help without declaring what is truly happening to them. They cry from their behavior, moods, countenance, and words they speak. When our heart and instinct connect with the victim there is no doubt. It is vital to heed these signs, by doing so lives can be saved. A child is a gift from God, and no one has a right to hurt one of these precious souls.

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