Child Abuse and Neglect Program
(Child Protective Services)
Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect
Following are the major signs of neglect, physical and
sexual abuse,
and emotional damage. One of these, or even several in combination, may
not necessarily indicate that abuse has occurred. They may indicate accidents or that
medical conditions, emotional illness, or other problems exist. If a
number of these signs occur together or if they recur frequently, child
abuse or neglect may be suspected.
Signs of neglect
- Poor hygiene, odor
- Inappropriately dressed for weather
- Needs medical or dental care
- Left alone, unsupervised for long periods
- 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
Signs of physical abuse
- Bruises, welts on face, neck, chest, back
- Injuries in the shape of object (belt, cord)
- Unexplained burns on palms, soles of feet, back
- Fractures that do not fit the story of how an injury occurred
- Delay in seeking medical help
- Extremes in behavior: very aggressive or withdrawn and shy
- Afraid to go home
- Frightened of parents
- Fearful of other adults
Signs of sexual abuse
- Pain, swelling, or itching in genital area
- Bruises, bleeding, discharge in genital area
- Difficulty walking or sitting, frequent urination, pain
- Stained or bloody underclothing
- Venereal disease
- Refusal to take part in gym or other exercises
- Poor peer relationships
- Unusual interest in sex for age
- Drastic change in school achievement
- Runaway or delinquent behavior
- Regressive or childlike behavior
Signs of emotional damage
- Low self-esteem
- Self-denigration
- Severe depression
- Unusual level of aggression
- Severe anxiety
- Extreme withdrawal
- Failure to learn
Contact Information
Last Revised:
December 23, 2010 |
