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- Child seems scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or aggressive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.
Abuse of Elderly
- Forbidden contact with others.
- Extreme or excessive behaviors.
- Evidence of inadequate care.
- Persistent hunger, poor or inadequate nutrition.
- Forging for, hoarding, or stealing food.
- Unusual bank account activity.