Types of Abuse
The following are some signs often associated with particular types of child abuse and neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. It is important to note, however, that these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than alone.
Signs of Physical Abuse
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:
- Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
- Shrinks at the approach of adults
- Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
- Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
- Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Has a history of abuse as a child
- Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
- Describes the child as “evil”, or in some other very negative way
- Offer conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child’s injury
Signs of Neglect
Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:
- States that there is no one at home to provide care
- Abuses alcohol or other drugs
- Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
- Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
- Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses
- Begs or steals food or money
- Is frequently absent from school
Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Is abusing alcohol or other drugs
- Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
- Seems apathetic or depressed
- Appears to be indifferent to the child
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:
- Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
- Runs away
- Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly in under age 14
- Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
- Experiences a sudden change in appetite
- Reports nightmares or bedwetting
- Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
- Has difficulty walking or sitting
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Is jealous or controlling with family members
- Is secretive and isolated
- Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child’s contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex
Signs of Emotional Maltreatment
Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:
- Reports a lack of attachment to the parent
- Has attempted suicide
- Is delayed in physical or emotional development
- Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)
- Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression
Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:
- Overtly rejects the child
- Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child’s problems
- Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child
Child Welfare Information Gateway. Available online at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm.