Health care professionals are trained in the warning signs of child abuse. For most of us, we have no idea what these signs are. If a child is not around professionals or at school it is up to us to help them if they are in need. A basic knowledge of the warning signs that a child is being abused may actually help save the child.

While it is a very hard subject to address for most of us, our fears and repulsion get the better of us, we can collectively stop child abuse by recognizing the warning signs and bringing them to the attention of those very professionals that can help.

The behavioral signs of child abuse can also show up and be present at other stressful times in a child’s life. Parent’s divorce, death of a family member, friend or pet, or even bully problems in school, indicate the same symptoms. However, regardless of the cause, it is important to get the child help.

Many signs may be present and not just any one of them. Any one sign doesn’t mean the child was abused, either. What you need to know is that if several of them are present in any child you know, it’s a good time to begin asking questions.

1. Fear of certain people.

2. fear of certain places.

A child may not want to be left alone with a baby-sitter, a certain friend or relative, other child or adult. If your child child who is usually talkative and cheery may become quiet and distant when around a certain person).

3. Nightmares, trouble sleeping, or other extreme fears without an obvious explanation.

4. Play, writing, drawings or dreams may include sexual or frightening images.

5. Seems distracted or distant, spaced out at odd times.

6. Loss of appetite, or trouble eating or swallowing or sudden changes in eating habits.

7. Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, anger, insecurity or withdrawal.

8. Leaves “clues” that seem likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues.

9. Stomach illness all of the time with no identifiable reason.

10. An older child behaving like a younger child, such as bed-wetting or thumb sucking.

Again it’s a series of signs that means you have to open discussions with the appropriate people involved and see if it is child abuse.

Prevent child abuse every day. Just a note today that we all can prevent child abuse.

Child abuse is more than the sensational stories of sexual predators stalking and luring kids in their lair unaware. It is also the low grade, “Your stupid!” or sarcastic, “You think you’re so smart,” that comes from parents and relatives in mean spirited ways.

Start at home. Move into your neighborhood. Watch how you talk to kids, no matter what their age. It’s that simple.

Second, teach your child to listen to their instincts. If they do then any inappropriate behavior they encounter will trigger a funny feeling in their stomach. Teach them to listen to it. Teach them to go find help from a trusted adult immediately when they get this feeling.

It’s a start but the ability to prevent child abuse is within all our control.