Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect Every year between 4,000 and 5,000 children are substantiated as abused or neglected in Wisconsin. You do not need to be an expert in the definitions of abuse and neglect. It is the responsibility of Child Protective Services (CPS), law enforcement and court systems. You just need to understand the signs of possible abuse and neglect so you are prepared to recognize situations that may need to be reported. Signs of Neglect Definition 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 Definition 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do not fit the story of how an injury occurred Delay in seeking medical help Extremes in behavior: very aggressive or withdrawn and shy Afraid to go home Frightened of parents Fearful of other adults Signs of Sexual Abuse Definition Pain, swelling, or itching in genital area Bruises,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 Abuse Definition Low self-esteem Self-denigration Severe depression Unusual level of aggression Severe anxiety Extreme withdrawal Failure to learn
