Signs of distress, maltreatment, and types of abuse in children can vary depending on the individual child and the circumstances of the abuse. However, some common signs and types of abuse include:
1. Physical abuse: Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained bruises, cuts, or injuries, frequent injuries, injuries in various stages of healing, fear of adults, and reluctance to go home.
2. Emotional abuse: Signs of emotional abuse may include low self-esteem, withdrawal from others, extreme behavior, delayed emotional development, and difficulty forming relationships.
3. Sexual abuse: Signs of sexual abuse may include difficulty walking or sitting, sudden changes in behavior, nightmares or bedwetting, sexualized behavior, and reluctance to be alone with certain individuals.
4. Neglect: Signs of neglect may include poor hygiene, malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, frequent absences from school, and lack of supervision.
If a child is displaying signs of distress, maltreatment, or abuse, it is important to follow the child abuse protocol, which typically involves reporting the suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities, such as child protective services or law enforcement. It is also important to provide support and resources to the child and their family to ensure their safety and well-being.