Child abuse is one of the most horrific things that can occur to your child in their young life. Incidents of child abuse go largely unrecognized for years at a time since children are often unable to adequately convey that abuse has occurred, or they are scared of their parents’ reactions. This can become even more difficult when the abuser is a closer relative or friend of the family. However, it is important to recognize the early signs of child abuse and attempt to stop it as early as you can to prevent further abuse from happening.

Children often undergo radical personality changes after abuse begins. This may lead to a withdrawn personality or full-out tantrums (on the opposite side of the spectrum). Any sudden shift in personality should lead to a pause for any parent to further understand what is going with their child.

Other early signs of child abuse include:

• Bed wetting
• Lack of appetite
• Sudden outbursts
• Regression in conversation
• Acting out

The signs of abuse may depend on the type of abuse which has been committed. Physical abuse is vastly different from emotional abuse, but both can have a similar impact on the child. If you suspect abuse, what do you do in the initial days?

The first days after discovering abuse can be full of emotion. However, it is important to file criminal charges as soon as possible against the abuser, not only to bring them to court for their actions, but to also ensure they are not abusing further children.

Civil claims can be brought after criminal charges are filed and provide families with an avenue to recover financial damages for the harm that was gone. In cases of physical abuse, the family may have had to go through hospital and rehabilitative visits to nurse the child back to health. In cases involving emotional abuse, the damage may be difficult to see, but will often require years of therapy. An experienced child abuse attorney will assist you in determining how to calculate the damages you and your family are entitled to receive after the abuse occurs. The main point to keep in mind is that the abuser must be stopped from committing further atrocities.

If your child has been the victim of child abuse, do not hesitate to contact Tony Malley of the Malley Law Firm. Child abuse needs to be addressed head on, as soon as you become aware that it has occurred. As parents, we entrust individuals to watch our children, whether it be at church, on the playground, or at school. Discovering that these trusted individuals have abused our children leaves a sickening feeling for any parent. These individuals need to be held responsible for their actions. Contact our Beaumont or Houston offices today for your initial free consultation.