Child abuse does not only refer to physical harm, but encompasses emotional harm as well. Recognizing emotional abuse within a child requires careful observation and investigation into the child's home life and parental relationships. Suspicion of emotional abuse should be reported to your county's Department of Family Services for further investigation and early intervention. According to ChildWelfare.gov, not all signs point to emotional abuse, but further investigation may be warranted.
Step 1
Report emotional and social detachment such as refusal to socialize with other children, decline of academic scores, or excessive anger and sadness. According to ChildWelfare.gov, sudden changes in behavior and academic performance may be a sign of neglect at home. A child's reluctance to go home, claims of having no supervision and over-eagerness to please are also tell-tale signs that should be reported.
Step 2
Observe parental interaction with the child. Document if the parent seems distant, cold or aggressive toward the child. According to FindCounseling.com, parents who are guilty of emotional and mental abuse withhold love and attention from their child. They may also treat siblings differently and ignore problems that arise with the child.
Step 3
Submit documentation of suicide or self-harm attempts that you have witnessed. Children who are mentally and emotionally mistreated may feel they are not worthy of life and may attempt to take their own life or harm themselves to gain attention and help. According to ChildWelfare.gov, suicide attempts are a common sign of mental abuse.
Step 4
Document frequent toileting accidents, making sure to record dates and times. According to FindCounseling.com, suffering children tend to have frequent bedtime and daily toileting accidents, even beyond potty training age.
Step 5
Observe the child when signs of age inappropriateness are evident. According to ChildWelfare.gov, abused children may act like adults, or may act babyish. Adult behavior such as mommy or daddy roles with younger children and infantile behavior such as thumb sucking and head banging are warning signs of mental abuse in the absence of any diagnosis of autism or genetic developmental delays.
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