Indicators of Child Maltreatment

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Unhappy girl showing signs of child neglect

Parenting Resource Center

SIGNS OF CHILD MALTREATMENT & NEGLECT

Child abuse comes in many forms. Different types of maltreatment 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 recognize the signs and symptoms of a child’s maltreatment and prevent a child from further abuse and harm.

neglected child resting head on her hand

CHILD NEGLECT INDICATORS

Child neglect is the failure of a parent or caretaker to meet a child’s needs. The indicators of child neglect may be physical or behavioral.

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

The indicators of physical abuse often come in the form of physical marks, but physical abuse may also cause behavioral indicators in children who are victims of abuse.

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 shape 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

Emotional abuse can cause a variety of behavioral problems in children. It is important to recognize the signs of emotional or verbal abuse in order to prevent further harm.

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

Like other forms of child maltreatment, sexual abuse can create both physical and behavioral 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

Resources like these are provided by American SPCC – a national nonprofit dedicated to building positive childhoods for all children by empowering parents and caregivers with research-backed education and support.

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