There are many signs of child abuse. May the victim be male or female, it is important that those who went through this ordeal must seek support and professional help. Child abuse is a problem that should not be taken lightly or overlooked. 

The symptoms of child abuse, are usually associated to females. But nowadays, it has been noted that not only girls are sexually abused, little boys too also are susceptible to this deviant act. Usually, the cases between girls and boys do not significantly differ from each other. Although it is important to consider that the symptoms of child abuse could affect both sexes differently due to how social reasons. 

The signs of child abuse are long-lasting and would require professional help to let the victim become a survivor. Symptoms of child abuse show: significant changes in behavior at home and or at school, passive, does not want to go home, becomes rebellious, and failure to trust or reciprocate any affection to those close to him or her. 

It is important to take note that there are different kinds of child abuse: physical abuse, neglect, psychological or emotional abuse and sexual abuse could cause bigger problems to the child once they grow up. If you see sores, bruises or any form of physical harm on the child, probe at once. Most likely the little one would find it hard at first to confide with anyone. Or, another way to help the victim is to inform the authorities. There are different reasons as to why abuse happens to children; some of the reasons are substance and/or alcohol abuse, unemployment, and psychological factors.

Symptoms of child abuse range from the short term to long term effects. Those who suffer child abuse are most likely to develop post traumatic stress disorders, dissociative symptoms, depression, anxiety and acting out symptoms. Sometimes, when the child has not 'moved on' from the traumatic incident, chances are the symptoms of child abuse could affect the child as she or he grows up. This could result to bigger problems such as: eating disorders, substance abuse, heavy depression, and the risk of contracting cancer, and other diseeases such as HIV and AIDS.

To lessen the effects of trauma, those who are close to the victim should encourage to let this person seek professional therapy in order to properly cope with the situation. Since abuse has lasting effects; support, professional therapy and understanding are some of the ways in treating the symptoms of child abuse.