Neglect

• withdrawal/apathy
• fearful
• learned helplessness (can't reach out for help)
• hordes food
• clingy or needy
• pseudo-independent
• regressive behavior (thumb sucking)

Impact of Child Abuse on Adolescents

Physical Abuse

• withdrawal/apathy
• aggressive behavior
• anti-social behavior (e.g. car theft, truancy)
• inability to relate to peers
• identifies with "tough guy" image (punk rock, gangs)
• seeks out attention of adults
• prostitution
• drug & alcohol abuse
• eating/school problems

Sexual Abuse

• sexualized behavior & acting out
• promiscuity/prostitution
• defiance or compliance to extreme
• isolated
• fearful/anxious
• self-mutilating
• suicidal gestures
• obsessively clean
• pseudo-mature
• eating disorders
• drug & alcohol abuse
• delinquent behavior/running away

Neglect

• withdrawal/apathy
• aggressiveness
• obesity or other eating disorder
• inability to make up or keep friends
• unkempt to extreme
• drug & alcohol abuse

*Disclaimer*

Remember these are just indicators and to do not validate that abuse has occurred. Check with a physician and mental health professional.

next: The Impact of Parental Child Abduction