ABUSE CAN BE DETECTED AND PREVENTED

By the time Sherry was 2 weeks old, the system already was failing her.

She was abused for most of her life -- beaten, raped, cut with knives and left alone. She remembers a social agency stepping in only once, and then, fearing for her life, she convinced investigators that everything was just fine in her home.

But there are ways to tell when things aren't fine, counselor Beverly Stott said. Many of her clients suffering from manic-depressive disorder, eating disorders and a variety of other ailments were victims of uninterrupted childhood abuse.

"Society is getting better," Stott said. "If a child comes to a therapist, minister, doctor, teacher or anyone who works with children, there are mandatory reporting laws. And there are a lot more public service announcements telling children that, if they are uncomfortable with anything, they should tell someone."

Even if the children don't speak about their problems, there are symptoms adults can spot, including excessive daydreaming, nightmares, tearfulness, and eating too much or too little.

Also common is too much knowledge about sexual matters. Abused children may make sexual overtures to other children or adults, and adults shouldn't ignore talk about sex.

"An 8-year-old doesn't know what a man's penis feels like unless she has felt one," Stott said.

Treatment is available for both children and adults who were victims of physical and sexual abuse.

Sherry, who now goes to two mental health professionals, says society's goal should be to prevent the abuse from ever starting.