INDICATORS OF CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT
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.
#ITSTIME TO LEARN THE SIGNS
PHYSICAL ABUSE INDICATORS
UNEXPLAINED BRUISES AND WELTS:
- On face, lips, mouth
- On torso, back, buttocks, thighs
- In various stages of healing
- Cluster, forming regular patterns
- Reflecting shape of article used to inflict (electric cord, belt buckle)
- On several different surface areas
- Regularly appear after absence, weekend or vacation
UNEXPLAINED BURNS:
- Cigar, cigarette burns, especially on soles, palms, back or buttocks
- Immersion burns (sock-like, glove-like doughnut shaped on buttocks or genitalia)
- Patterned like electric burner, iron, etc.
- Rope burns on arms, legs, neck or torso
UNEXPLAINED FRACTURES:
- To skull, nose, facial structure
- In various stages of healing
- Multiple or spiral fractures
UNEXPLAINED LACERATIONS & ABRASIONS:
- To mouth, lips, gums, eyes
- To limbs and buttocks
- To external genitalia
Behavioral Indicators of Physical Abuse
- Wary of adult contact
- Apprehensive when other children cry
BEHAVIORAL EXTREMES:
- Aggressiveness
- Withdrawal
- Frightened of parents
- Afraid to go home
- Reports injury by parents
EMOTIONAL ABUSE INDICATORS
- Habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking, etc.)
- Conduct disorders (antisocial, destructive, etc.)
- Neurotic traits (sleep disorders, speech disorders, inhibition of play)
Behavioral Indicators of Emotional Abuse
OVERLY ADOPTIVE BEHAVIOR:
- Inappropriately adult behavior
- Inappropriately infant behavior
BEHAVIORAL EXTREMES:
- Compliant, passive
- Aggressive, demanding
CHILD NEGLECT INDICATORS
- 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
Behavioral Indicators of Neglect
- 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
SEXUAL ABUSE INDICATORS
- 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
Behavioral Indicators of Sexual Abuse
- 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
Types of Child Abuse
Child Neglect
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Childhood Experiences
Shaken Baby Syndrome
Domestic Violence
Trafficking & Exploitation
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Information Courtesy of the Department of Children and Families, NJ | 2014
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