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:<ul><li>Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures or burns</li><li>Injuries that don't match the given explanation</li><li>Wearing full sleeved shirts or sweaters on a hot day</li></ul>

Red flags that indicates child abuse:

<ul><li>Sexual behavior or knowledge that's inappropriate for the child's age</li><li>Pregnancy or a sexually transmitted infection</li><li>Blood in the child's underwear</li><li>Statements that he or she was sexually abused- believe them </li><li>Inappropriate sexual contact with other children</li></ul>

Sexual abuse signs

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

Signs of neglect

<ul><li>Shows little concern for the child</li><li>Appears unable to recognize physical or emotional distress in the child</li><li>Blames the child for the problems</li><li>Consistently belittles or berates the child, and describes the child with negative terms, such as "worthless" or "evil"</li><li>Expects the child to provide him or her with attention and care and seems jealous of other family members getting attention from the child</li><li>Uses harsh physical discipline</li><li>Severely limits the child's contact with others</li><li>Offers conflicting or unconvincing explanations for a child's injuries or no explanation at all</li></ul>

Red flags of abusive parent

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.<ul><li>Physical abuse</li><li>Sexual abuse</li><li>Emotional abuse</li><li>Medical abuse</li><li>Neglect</li></ul>It is sad that 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.

Wary of child abuse- it can happen right under your nose.

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