Physical abuse often starts with minor acts like making threats, a conference heard.

And experts warned that "skylarking'' could lead to serious violence if the problem is not treated at its roots.

"At first many of these actions may seem like trivial acts -- but they can escalate into attacks.'' This came during the first day of a two-day seminar hosted by the Physical Abuse Centre.

Day one of the Family Relationship Education Seminar spotlighted abuse and family violence under the direction of visiting American counsellors Dr. Myrna Moore and Dr. Lynn Boza from Michigan Rehabilitation Services.

The seminar was opened by Shadow Health and Social Services Minister Renee Webb who warned the audience that changing the "mind set'' of those who abuse would be a challenging task. "It is a difficult task,'' she said. "It's not as easy as just going to counselling.

And she praised the Physical Abuse Centre for its 20 years of service in the struggle to raise awareness on the issue.

Organisers also heaped praise at the feet of the men who turned up for the conference.

"I'm pleased to see some young men here today,'' said Dr. Moore. "It's nice to see that we have interested men. It's usually the women who show up.'' Dr. Moore told the audience that physical abuse, aggressive behaviour towards a victim's body, usually develops from trivial acts.

"At first the behaviour appears as trivial acts,'' the American counsellor said. "That is how the abuse starts, with little pushes and things like that.

So it's important to note it when you see it in homes or schools.'' Dr. Moore said low self-esteem, drug or alcohol abuse and/or self destructive behaviour were also signals of abuse.

"Stress and depression are also indicators since people who are in abusive relationships are under a lot of stress,'' she explained. "Many times we don't recognise that since very few people would relate stress to abuse.'' In the case of child abuse, Dr. Moore warned parents not to place blind trust in anyone.

And she highlighted the warning signs of child abuse which include depression, aggressive and/or destructive behaviour, physical injuries, poor school performance, and drug or alcohol abuse.

With regards to child sexual abuse, Dr. Moore some of the indicators were torn or stained underclothing, a child becoming obsessed with sex, sudden difficulty in sleeping, nightmares, fear of the dark and bed-wetting.

"Molestation can cause children to act violently,'' she pointed out. "It causes built up anger in children and they will act it out.'' And she suggested that concerned individuals ask a suspected victim leading questions in order to get some answers.

"Ask questions about what's going on,'' she urged. "And yes, it is your business.'' Once a victim of any type of abuse is identified, Dr. Moore said it was crucial to stop the abuse from taking place.