(HealthDay News) -- Each year, thousands of children are physically abused in the United States, and many needlessly die as a result of abuse.
If you suspect a child is being abused -- physically, sexually, emotionally, or from neglect -- contact the child protective service agency or department of human services in your state, county or local area.
The American Medical Association lists these signs that indicate a child has possibly been or is being abused:
- A poor self-image.
- Acting out sexually.
- Aggressive, disruptive, and sometimes illegal behavior.
- Anger and rage, or feelings of sadness or other symptoms of depression.
- Self-destructive or self-abusive behavior, suicidal thoughts.
- Passive or withdrawn behavior.
- Anxiety or fears, or flashbacks and nightmares.
- School problems or failure.
- Drug and alcohol abuse.
