|
- General: Victims of abuse often try to hide the fact that they are or have been abused by someone. Because it is often difficult for victims of abuse, especially children, to leave abusive homes, coworkers, friends, family, teachers, daycare workers, and others should watch for warning signs of abuse. Recovery is possible for survivors of domestic and/or sexual abuse.
- Domestic abuse: Victims of domestic abuse may have frequent bruises or injuries that are said to be accidents. Victims may suffer from depression, frequent crying, frequent and sudden absences from work or school, frequent tardiness to work or school, isolation from friends or family, decreased productivity or attentiveness, anxiety, substance abuse, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, aggressive behaviors, low self-esteem, shame, and insufficient resources to be independent (such as money, credit cards, or vehicle). The victim may also make references to the abuser's anger or temper. Abuse can trigger suicide attempts, psychotic episodes, homelessness, and slow recovery from mental illness. Children exposed to domestic violence may experience a wide range of developmental problems, which may lead to emotional and behavioral problems. For instance, children who are abused or exposed to abuse may suffer from psychiatric disorders, aggressive behaviors, and low self-esteem. All of these factors may make it difficult for domestic abuse victims to leave abusers.
- Sexual abuse: Children who have been sexually abused may experience an unusual interest in or avoidance of all things that are sexual in nature, as well as sleep problems, nightmares, depression, withdrawal from friends or family, seductive behaviors, refusal to go to school, behavioral problems at school, secretive behavior, and unusual behavior. Some children may make negative statements about their body, saying it is dirty or damaged. Some children may draw pictures or play games that relate to sexual molestation. Victims of prolonged sexual abuse may suffer from feelings of worthlessness and have an abnormal or distorted view of sex. The child may become withdrawn and mistrustful of adults. Children may have suicidal thoughts, talk about suicide, or try to commit suicide. Some children who have been sexually abused have difficulty relating to others except on sexual terms. Some sexually abused children become child abusers or prostitutes, or have other serious problems when they reach adulthood. These children may also molest others and they are also more likely to become victims as adults.
- Individuals who are raped may have cuts, bruises, tears of the vagina and/or rectum, as well as swelling, bruising, or pain between their legs. If the victim was forced to perform oral sex, the throat may be sore. Some individuals may feel scared, nervous, shaky, or want to cry. Later the victim may feel guilty, sad, anxious, or angry. The victim may have problems sleeping or feel scared to be alone. Other victims may have problems trusting others and want to be alone all the time. Some victims may not want to have sex in the future because it brings back memories of the attack.
 |
Learn
