Child abuse comes in many forms. Different types of abuse and neglect manifest as different physical and behavioral indicators.

Simply by listening and paying attention to a child’s behavior, much can be learned about a child’s personal experiences. These valuable insights may help you prevent a child from further abuse and harm.

As the Nation’s Voice for Children, American SPCC is speaking up and standing up against Child Abuse and Neglect. The following free educational resources are made possible through your support and contributions.

A better future starts right here.

• Consistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress
• Consistent lack of supervision, especially in dangerous activities or long periods
• Constant fatigue or listlessness
• Unattended physical problems or medical needs
• Abandonment

• Begging, stealing food
• Extended stays at school (early arrival and late departure)
• Constantly falling asleep in class
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Delinquency (e.g. thefts)
• States there is no caregiver

• Difficulty walking or sitting
• Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
• Pain or itching in genital area
• Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia, vaginal or anal areas
• Venereal disease, especially in pre-teens
• Pregnancy

• Unwilling to change for gym or participate in PE
• Withdrawn, fantasy or infantile behavior
• Bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge
• Poor peer-to-peer relationships
• Delinquent or run away
• Reports sexual assault by caregiver