Question

What are the signs of children and elderly abuse?

Answer 1

Child Abuse

Any intentional harm or mistreatment to a child under 18 years old is considered child abuse. Child abuse takes many forms, which often occur at the same time. In many cases, child abuse is done by someone the child knows and trusts often a parent or other relative. If you suspect child abuse, report the abuse to the proper authorities.

Symptoms
A child who's being abused may feel guilty, ashamed or confused. He or she may be afraid to tell anyone about the abuse, especially if the abuser is a parent, other relative or family friend. That's why it's vital to watch for red flags, such as:

• Withdrawal from friends or usual activities.
• Changes in behavior such as aggression, anger, hostility or hyperactivity or changes in school performance
• Depression, anxiety or unusual fears, or a sudden loss of self-confidence
• An apparent lack of supervision
• Frequent absences from school
• Reluctance to leave school activities, as if he or she doesn't want to go home
• Attempts at running away
• Rebellious or defiant behavior
• Self-harm or attempts at suicide

Physical abuse signs and symptoms

• Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns
• Injuries that don't match the given explanation
• Sexual abuse signs and symptoms
• Sexual behavior or knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age
• Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection
• Blood in the child's underwear
• Statements that he or she was sexually abused
• Inappropriate sexual contact with other children

Emotional abuse signs and symptoms

• Delayed or inappropriate emotional development
• Loss of self-confidence or self-esteem
• Social withdrawal or a loss of interest or enthusiasm
• Depression
• Avoidance of certain situations, such as refusing to go to school or ride the bus
• Desperately seeks affection
• A decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school
• Loss of previously acquired developmental skills

Neglect signs and symptoms

• Poor growth or weight gain or being overweight
• Poor hygiene
• Lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs
• Taking food or money without permission
• Hiding food for later
• Poor record of school attendance
• Lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental or psychological problems or lack of necessary follow-up care.

Elderly Abuse

Elder abuse is defined as negligent or intentional acts performed by a caregiver or other trusted individual that results in harm to a vulnerable elderly person. The signs of elder abuse are identifiable, and knowing those signs is crucial. Elder abuse is when someone harms or neglects a person age 60 or older. It can happen to anyone. It can come from a caregiver, a family member, or a neighbor. It can take place in the older person’s home, the home of a relative, or in an assisted living or nursing facility.

Elder abuse is often hidden. An older person may not identify what’s happening to them as abuse. They may cover up the signs due to fear of what may happen if anyone finds out. Be aware of the signs of elder abuse and watch for them in your work. Remember, abuse may be occurring without any indicators or signs, and some signs may be caused by something other than abuse. Even if you are not sure, it is best to err on the side of caution and follow up on any suspicion of elder abuse.

Elder abuse is not without its signs. There are various warning signs that indicate elder abuse is occurring. Signs can be broken down into different categories, each with it’s own unique set of issues and circumstances.

Some typical signs and symptoms of overall elder abuse include the following:

• Being malnourished when it is not due directly to an illness
• Having poor hygiene
• Having untreated severe bedsores
• Having an unexplained injury that hasn’t been properly cared for
• Having sunken cheeks or eyes with evidence of poor circulation
• Having the caregiver give the wrong type or the wrong amount of medication
• Frequently going to the emergency room or doctor
• Having a lack of basic necessities, including utilities, water and food
• Frequently misplacing or losing personal items

Signs of emotional (or psychological) abuse include:

• fear
• depression or low mood
• confusion
• loneliness
• feeling of helplessness

Signs of neglect include:

• an older person who is hungry, thirsty or has lost a lot of weight
• an older person who is wearing the wrong clothing for the weather conditions
• an older person who is living in an environment that is dirty or unsafe
• an older person whose health problems have worsened due to their medications being mismanaged
• an older person with unexplained conditions such as hypothermia, dehydration or pressure sores

Signs of financial abuse include:

• missing belongings
• inability to find the money for basics such as food, clothing, transport costs and bills
• large withdrawals or big changes in banking habits or activities
• property transfers when the person is no longer able to manage their own financial affairs
• fear, stress and anxiety

Signs of physical abuse include:

• pain or restricted movement
• bruises, bite marks, cuts, burns, scratches
• unexplained accidents
• unexplained injuries such as broken bones, sprains, punctures
• over or under-use of sedation
• fear or anxiety
• stories about injuries that conflict between the older person and others

Signs of social abuse include:

• sadness or grief at loss of contact with others
• withdrawal or listlessness
• loss of self esteem

Signs of sexual abuse include:

• unexplained sexually transmitted disease
• recent incontinence (bladder or bowel)
• internal injuries
• bruises, bite marks, pain, burn marks
• trauma including bleeding around genitals, chest, rectum or mouth
• torn or bloody underclothing or bedding
• anxiety when near, or contact suggested with the abuser