While many children show no visible signs of abuse, it is important to recognize some behaviors that may indicate a child is being abused. Regardless of whether the below signs are present, listen to your intuition; if you suspect a child is being maltreated, call the child abuse hotline and let experts determine any risk posed to a child.
Physical abuse
· Frequent injuries such as bruises, cuts, black eyes, or burns without adequate explanation
· Frequent complaints of pain without abvious injury
· Burns or bruises in unusual patterns that may indicate the use of an instrument or human bite; cigarette burns on any part of the body
· Lack of reaction to pain
· Aggressive, disruptive and destructive behavior
· Passive, withdrawn and emotionless behavior
· Fear of going home or seeing parents; injuries that appear after a child has not been seen for several days
· Unreasonable clothing that may hide injuries to arms or legs
Neglect
- Obvious malnourishment
- Lack of personal cleanliness
- Torn or dirty clothing
- Begging for food
- Child unattended for long periods of time
- Need for glasses, dental care or other medical attention
- Frequent tardiness or absence from school
Sexual Abuse
- Physical signs of sexually transmitted disease
- Evidence of injury to the genital area
- Pregnancy in a young girl
- Difficulty in sitting or walking
- Frequent expressions of sexual activity between adult and child
- Extreme fear of being alone with adults of a certain sex
- Sexually suggestive, inappropriate or promiscuous behavior
- Knowledge of sexual relations beyond what is expected for a child’s age
- Sexual victimization of other children
Emotional Abuse
- Over compliance
- Low self-esteem
- Severe depression, anxiety or aggression
- Difficulty making friends or doing things with other children
- Lagging in physical, emotional and intellectual development
- Caregiver who belittles child, withholds love and seems unconcerned about child’s problems