What is Child Abuse & Neglect
Indicators of Physical Abuse
- Unexplained bruises and welts
- Unexplained burns
- Behavioral extremes (withdrawal, aggression, regression, depression)
- Inappropriate or excessive fear of a parent or guardian
- Antisocial behavior such as substance abuse, truancy or running away
- Reluctance to return home
- Suggestion that other children should be punished in a harsh manner
- Unbelievable or inconsistent explanations for injuries
- Lies very still while surveying surroundings (for infants)
- Unusual shyness, wariness of physical contact
Indicators of Sexual Abuse
- Torn, stained or bloody underclothing
- Frequent, unexplained sore throats, yeast infections or urinary infections
- pain and irritation of the genitals
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Bruises or bleeding from external genitalia, vagina or anal region
- Pregnancy
- The victim’s disclosure of sexual abuse
- Poor peer relationships
- Regressive behaviors (thumb sucking, bed wetting, fear of the dark)
- Promiscuity or seductive behaviors
- Disturbed sleep patterns (recurring nightmares)
- Unusual and age-inappropriate interest in sexual matters
- Age-inappropriate ways of expressing affection
- Avoidance of undressing or wearing extra layers of clothes
- Sudden decline in school performance, truancy
- Difficulty with walking or sitting
Indicators of Neglect
- Poor hygiene, including lice, scabies, severe or untreated diaper rash, bedsores, body odor
- Squinting
- Unsuitable clothing; missing key articles of clothing (underwear, socks, shoes); overdressed or underdressed for climate conditions
- Untreated illness or injury
- Lack of immunizations
- Indicators of prolonged exposure to elements (excessive sunburn, insect bites, colds)
- Height and weight significantly below age level
- Unusual school attendance (coming early, leaving late)
- Chronic absenteeism
- Chronic hunger, tiredness or lethargy
- Begging or collecting leftovers
- Assuming adult responsibilitiesReporting no guardian in the home