Indicators of Child Abuse
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SIGNS 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.
CHILD NEGLECT INDICATORS
Physical Indicators of Neglect
- 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
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 INDICATOR
- 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
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
The abuse may be brief, but the trauma lasts a lifetime.
Kids' lives and futures are on the line!
Be the voice against neglect and contribute to end child maltreatment today.
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