Abuse is defined as "improper or excessive use or treatment" and can come in many forms, not just physical. Abusive words can be just as devastating as sexual or emotional abuse, especially to an innocent child.

The abuse of a child results in physical, emotional, and social consequences. These consequences include:

1. Cognitive developmental delays
2. Poor school achievement
3. Few friends
4. Problems in relationships with teachers and other adults
5. Aggressiveness and other behavioral problems

Additionally, it's important to know that abusive parents were often abused themselves. Having a very low tolerance for normal infant behaviors, they also tend to misinterpret their children's behaviors in negative ways. They often exhibit high levels of anger and conflict.

Recognizing signs of abuse:

1. In the child:

a. Sudden changes in behavior or school performance
b. Non-medical attention for problems brought to the parents' attention
c. Learning problems or difficulty concentrating that cannot be attributed to specific disabilities
d. Tends to be watchful, expecting something to happen
e. Lacks adult supervision
f. Overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn
g. Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home

2. In the parent:

a. Shows little concern
b. Denies existence of, or blames the child for, problems at school or home
c. Asks their child's teacher(s) to use physical discipline
d. Describes child as bad or burdensome
e. Demands high levels of academic and physical performance
f. Relies on the child for care, attention and emotional needs

3. In the parent and child:

a. Do not look at or touch each other
b. View of relationship is only negative
c. State they do not like each other