Protective Services
Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect
Child abuse and neglect occurs when a child is mistreated, resulting in injury or risk of harm. Abuse can be physical, verbal, emotional or sexual. Following are some signs of child abuse and neglect.
Physical Abuse
Unexplained Bruises and Welts
- On face, lips, mouth
- On torso, back, buttocks, thighs
- In various stages of healing
- Clustered, forming regular pattern
- Reflecting shape of article used to inflict; electric cord or 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
- 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 or Abrasions
- To mouth, lips, gums, eyes
- To external genitalia
Behavioral Indicators
- Wary of adult
contacts
- Apprehensive when other
children cry
- Behavioral extremes;
aggressiveness or withdrawal
- Frightened of parents
- Afraid to go home
- Reports injury by parents
Physical Neglect
Physical Indicators
- Consistent hunger
- Poor hygiene
- Inappropriate dress for the elements
- Consistent lack of supervision, especially in dangerous activities for long periods
- Unattended physical problems or medical needs; abandonment
space
Behavioral Indicators
- Begging, stealing food
- Extended stays at school; early arrival and late departure
- Constant fatigue, listlessness or falling asleep in class
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Delinquency; thefts
- States there is no caretaker
Sexual Abuse
Physical Indicators
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- 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
- Unwilling to change for gym or participate in physical education class
- Withdrawal, fantasy or bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge
- Poor peer relationships
- Delinquent or runaway behavior
- Reports sexual assault by caretaker
Emotional Abuse
Physical Indicators
- Speech disorders
- Lags in physical development
- Failure to thrive
Behavioral Indicators
- Habit disorders: sucking, biting, rocking
- Conduct disorders: antisocial, destructive
- Neurotic traits: sleep disorders, inhibited play
- Psychoneurotic reactions: hysteria, obsession, compulsion, phobias, hypochondria
- Behavior extremes: compliant, passive or aggressive, demanding
- Overly adaptive behavior: inappropriately adult or inappropriately infant
- Developmental lags: mental, emotional
- Attempted suicide
