Following are the major signs of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and neglect. One of these, or even several in combination, may not indicate that abuse has occurred. They may indicate accidents or that other medical conditions, emotional illness, or problems exist. It is important to realize that that you do not have to make that determination. If you have any reason to suspect child abuse or neglect, it is best to report it to the appropriate agency so that they can provide whatever assistance is needed by the child and family.
Physical Abuse
Signs of Physical Abuse
Bruises, welts on face, neck, chest, back
Injuries in the shape of an object-belt, cord, iron
Unexplained burns on palms, soles, back
Fractures that do not fit story of injury
Delay in seeking medical help
Extremes in child's behavior-very aggressive or withdrawn and shy (unlike the child's typical behavior)
Afraid to go home
Frightened of parents/caregivers
Fearful of other adults
Consider the possibility of physical abuse if the child:
Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after being absent from school
Seems frightened of parents, afraid to go home
Shrinks at the approach of adults
Reports injury by a parent or other adult caregiver
Consider the possibility of physical abuse if the parent:
Has conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury
Describes the child in a negative way
Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
Has a history of abuse as a child
Emotional Abuse
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Low self-esteem
Self-denigration
Severe depression
Aggression
Withdrawal
Severe anxiety
Failure to learn
Consider the possibility of emotional abuse if the child:
Shows extremes in behavior, either overly compliant or demanding, extreme passivity or aggression
Acts either inappropriately like an adult or inappropriately like a baby/younger child
Is delayed in physical or emotional development
Has attempted suicide
Reports a lack of attachment to the parent
Consider the possibility of emotional abuse if the parent or caregiver:
Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child
Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's school problems
Overtly rejects the child
Sexual Abuse
Signs of Sexual Abuse
Pain, swelling, or itching in genital area
Bruises, bleeding, discharge in genital area
Difficulty walking or sitting, frequent urination
Stained or bloody underclothing
Sexually transmitted infections
Refusal to take part in gym or other exercises
Poor peer relationships
Unusual interest in sex for age, unusual knowledge of sex terminology
Drastic change in school achievement
Runaway or delinquent
Regressive or childlike behavior
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse if the child:
Has difficulty walking or sitting
Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
Becomes pregnant or contracts a sexually transmitted infection
Runs away
Reports sexual abuse
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse if the parent:
Is overly protective of the child or severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex
Is secretive and isolated
Describes marital difficulties involving family power struggles or sexual relations
Behaves in a sexual manner toward the child
Neglect
Signs of Neglect
Poor hygiene, body odor
Inappropriately dressed for weather
Needs medical or dental care
Left alone, unsupervised, for long periods of time (depending on child's age)
Failure to thrive, malnutrition
Constant hunger, begs or steals food
Extreme willingness to please
Frequent absence from school
Arrives early and stays late at school or play areas or other people's homes
Consider the possibility of neglect if the child:
Is frequently absent from school
Begs or steals food or money from classmates
Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations or glasses
Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
Lacks appropriate clothing for the weather
Abuses alcohol or other drugs
States there is no one at home to take care of them
Consider the possibility of neglect if the parent:
Appears to be indifferent to the child
Seems apathetic or depressed
Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
Abuses alcohol or drugs
It’s okay, the man said.. It’s okay,
little miss. Living doll, know that?
Here, let me help you. See that
big, fat, shiny grape way up
high? Give me your hand
and I will help you reach. . .there
you go. You are going to love
the taste. Just like sugar.
Don’t worry, it isn’t dirty. Here,
put it in your mouth. Good,
isn’t it? Let’s pick some more
from that bunch that is right over
your pretty little head. See?
Eyes so big. Hair so soft. Let me
touch it one more time. There, there.
. . .
Later, she touched a purple spot
at the top of her leg. The first
of several beginning with twisted
offers dangled by men who wanted
to help. All had something she needed
to give. Something very good, she
should be grateful. The fruit
the grape man dangled was in a clump
that hung from crisscrossed strips
of unpainted wood over her 5-year-old
head. Bumps on the path he made tripped,
and a splinter dug real deep. Later,
the sun burned through. Burned spots
into her eyes, but she saw dirt hair
clung to the blubber back of his neck.
Teeth had gaped when she clambered
over the fence, starving for something,
or someone, sweet. She had followed
her nose because she wanted to know
what an arbor looked like. Bunch
of twisted vines. No thorns, but you bleed.
