Quick help for

Indicators of Abuse

General Remarks

The first step in helping children who have been abused or neglected is learning to recognize the signs of maltreatment.

The presence of a single sign does not necessarily mean that child maltreatment is occurring in a family, but a closer look at the situation may be warranted when these signs appear repeatedly or in

Not every indicator is a proof of abuse
There are indicators we see in the child
There are indicators in the adults
Look for patterns
Look at the whole picture
Do not jump the gun

Physical Abuse

Signs we might see in the parent

Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child’s injury or provides an explanation that is not consistent with the injury
Shows little concern for the child
Sees the child as entirely bad, burdensome, or worthless
Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
Has a history of abusing animals or pets

Signs we might see in the child

Has unexplained injuries, such as burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
Injuries at different stages of healing
Injuries have a pattern or look like they may have been caused by an object
Child seems scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive
Child seems frightened of his or her parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
Child shrinks at the approach of adults
Child shows changes in eating and sleeping habits
Child reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
Child abuses animals or pets

Emotional Abuse

Signs we might see in the parent

Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child
Describes the child negatively
Overtly rejects the child

Signs we might see in the child

Shows extremes in behavior, such as being overly compliant or demanding, extremely passive, or aggressive
Is either inappropriately adult (e.g., parenting other children) or inappropriately infantile (e.g., frequently rocking or head-banging)
Is delayed in physical or emotional development
Shows signs of depression or suicidal thoughts
Reports an inability to develop emotional bonds with others

Neglect

Signs we might see in the parent

Appears to be indifferent to the child
Seems apathetic or depressed
Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
Abuses alcohol or other drugs

Signs we might see in the child

Is frequently absent from school
Lacks needed medical care, dental care, or glasses…
Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
Abuses alcohol or other drugs
States that there is no one at home to provide care

Sexual Abuse

Keep in mind that:

Any one sign doesn't mean that a child was sexually abused.

Some of these signs can emerge at other times of stress such as:

during a divorce,
death of a family member or pet,
problems at school or with friends,
other anxiety-inducing or traumatic events.

But the presence of several suggests that you begin asking questions and consider seeking help.

Keep also in mind the influence of uncontrolled access to internet, reading material, television… can and will compromise the innocence of a child.





Indicators for different ages

Child and/or Adolescent

Has nightmares or other sleep problems without an explanation.
Is distracted or distant at odd times.
Has a sudden change in eating habits: refuses to eat, loses or drastically increases appetite, has trouble swallowing.
Sudden mood swings: rage, fear, insecurity or withdrawal.
Leaves “clues” that seem likely to provoke a discussion about sexual issues.
Writes, draws, plays or dreams of sexual or frightening images.
Develops new or unusual fear of certain people or places.
Refuses to talk about a secret shared with an adult or older child.
Talks about a new older friend.
Suddenly has money, toys or other gifts without reason.
Thinks of self or body as repulsive, dirty or bad.
Signs more typical for younger children
Exhibits adult-like sexual behaviors, language and knowledge.

Younger Children

An older child behaving like a younger child (such as bed-wetting or thumb-sucking).
Has new words for private body parts.
Resists removing clothes at appropriate times (bath, bed, toileting, diapering).
Asks other children to behave sexually or play sexual games.
Mimics adult-like sexual behaviors with toys or stuffed animal.
Wetting and soiling accidents unrelated to toilet training.

Adolescents

Self-injury (cutting, burning)
Inadequate personal hygiene
Drug and alcohol abuse
Sexual promiscuity
Running away from home
Depression, anxiety
Suicide attempts.
Fear of intimacy or closeness
Physical Warning Signs
Compulsive eating or dieting

Physical Warning Signs

Physical Warning Sign

Physical signs of sexual abuse are rare. If you see these signs, bring the child to a doctor. The doctor can help you understand what may be happening and test for sexually transmitted diseases.