Monday, June 8, 2020 Dr. Kelli Palfy 1057

Warning Signs of Abuse in Children - By Dr. Kelli Palfy

Although there aren’t any tell-tale signs a child is being abused, young children may try to tell adults about abuse in the only ways they know how: by acting out behaviourally!

If you see one or more of these as persistent signs in a child you know… PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION!

Fear of going to bed – some children may fear falling asleep because they are having nightmares about being abused.
Falling asleep in class – perhaps they don’t feel safe sleeping at night or at home
Re-established bed wetting or a regression in other previously attained developmental milestones
Wearing the same clothes or seasonally inappropriate clothes (long sleeves or sunglasses may be used to cover bruises) or other odd behaviours.
The class clown - disrupting class may be a means to distract from traumatic memories & learning difficulties that arise because of trauma responses
Children with low self-esteem and those who are isolating themselves
The odd child that can’t relate to other children - traumatized children act in ways that only make sense when you understand trauma
Children bullying or picking on other kids (victims are often angry)
Children being bullied by others often feel they deserve to be treated poorly, lack boundaries and don't know how to stand up for themselves
Children experimenting sexually (re-enacting what’s been done to them)
Developing a newly established fear of someone or a strong dislike of someone
They may make comments like: “I don’t like the games they make me play” ; “I don’t want to go to daycare" or " Can’t you stay home with me?”
Urinary tract infections or anal tearing
Changes from previously enjoyed behaviours (they used to like daycare but are now afraid to go, etc.)

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Kelli Palfy

Dr. Kelli Palfy

Other posts by Dr. Kelli Palfy

I medically retired from the RCMP with just over 13 years of field experience in 2009 (Reg #45004, HQ 1112) and began the journey of pursuing my doctorate degree. I am now a registered psychologist, running a private practice in Edmonton, AB. I have a strong interest in working with trauma related issues, specifically adult male survivors of sexual abuse.

I have a considerable amount of life experience and exposure, both personal and professional, which I drew upon to write my first book, Men Too: Unspoken Truths About Male Sexual Abuse (an educational, heart-wrenching look at 13 male sexual abuse victims experiences).

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I am a registered psychologist, running a private practice in Edmonton, AB. I offer counselling services to adults (individuals, couples and groups) struggling with issues associated to childhood abuse/neglect, life transitions, harassment in the workplace, chronic illness, anxiety and depression. I completed my doctoral internship at the Cross Cancer Institute where I worked with adults struggling with cancer diagnosis, grief, loss, issues of faith and other major life transitions. I have a strong interest in working with trauma related issues, specifically adult male survivors of sexual abuse; as well as issues associated to grief, loss and bullying and harassment in the workplace.

In 2007 I began pursuing my MA, initially to further my career as a police woman, but God had other plans for me! In 2009, I medically retired from the RCMP with just over 13 years of field experience (Reg #45004, HQ 1112) and began the journey of pursuing my doctorate degree. I have a considerable amount of life experience and exposure, both personal and professional, from which to draw upon during my work with you. What was once my misery is now my ministry. I have used this experience and training to write my first book, Men Too: Unspoken Truths About Male Sexual Abuse in an effort to changing the way people think about male sexual abuse.

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