Serving Signs of Abuse in a Child
If your child’s behavior or personality has changed recently or if you have any reason to suspect abuse of any kind, it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and very unsure about what comes next. There are certain signs that are closely associated with abuse that can help guide your next actions. For example, therapy can provide your child with considerable relief and the strength they need to share their trauma. Further, your child may be entitled to compensation from the source of their abuse, and an experienced Conway personal injury attorney can help.
Forms of Abuse
Abuse of children can take many different forms, including each of the following:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Child neglect
- Medical abuse
Every case of child abuse is unique to the circumstances and the child involved, but there are, nevertheless, signs that often point to an underlying concern.
The Abuser
The person doing the abuse is likely to be someone who is known to your child. This can mean someone who works at their school or daycare, a coach, a family member, a clergy member at your family’s place of worship, someone who tutors your child, or someone who gives them lessons – such as a music teacher.
Your child may find it very difficult to open up to you about their abuse. Remaining alert to the signs, however, affords you the opportunity to get your child the help they need.
Signs that Are Commonly Associated with Abuse
Every child has their own unique reaction to abuse, but many behavioral changes that are closely associated with abuse fall into common symptom categories like the following:
- Withdrawal from friends and loved ones
- Disinterest in activities they once enjoyed
- Newly acquired defiance or rebelliousness
- A marked change in behavior, such as becoming aggressive, hostile, angry, or hyperactive
- A marked change in appetite
- Sudden changes in grooming or how your child wants to dress
- Newly acquired sleep disturbances, such as terrifying nightmares
- Dramatic changes in your child’s grades
- More frequent absences from school
- Self-harm or suicidal ideation
- Sudden change in overall confidence
- Signs of depression or anxiety
- Newly acquired fears that strike you as unusual
Any of these can be indicative of trauma or abuse, and if you have a sense that something is not right with your child, you should act on your instinct.
Seeking Compensation
You can seek compensation for the injuries and losses your child suffered at the hands of their abuser through a civil case, including in each of the following categories:
- Any medical costs, including expenses related to mental health services
- The cost of relocation – as applicable
- Your child’s physical and emotional pain and suffering, which has the potential to be far more extensive than their other losses combined
- Any physical scars endured
A compassionate personal injury attorney will help guide you through the process of seeking just compensation for your child’s legal damages – in support of their recovery and future.
Turn to an Experienced Conway Personal Injury Lawyer for the Help You Need
Brad Richardson at The Law Office of Brad C. Richardson is a reputable Conway personal injury attorney who welcomes the opportunity to help you help your child, and our focused legal team is on your side. As a former senior prosecutor, Brad Richardson has substantial experience in dealing with child victims of abuse. Learn more about what we can do for you by contacting us online or calling us at (843) 488-4321 today.