Signs of Abuse

What is Abuse?
Abuse is mental, emotional, physical, or sexual injury to a child, or failure to prevent such injury.

What is Neglect?
Neglect of a child includes (1) failure to provide a child with food, clothing, shelter and/or medical care; and/or (2) leaving a child in a situation where the child is at risk of harm.

Physical Abuse:

when a parent or caregiver causes any non-accidental physical injury to a child.

Signs of Physical Abuse
Physical	Behavioral
Visible and Severe Injuries Distinctive Shape Bruises, Burns or Scalds, Bite Marks, Scarring, Fractures or Broken Bones Frequency, timing, and history of injuries (frequent, after weekends, vacations, school absences)	Aggression toward peers, pets, other animals Seems Afraid of Parents or Other Adults Fear, Withdrawal, Depression, Anxiety, Nightmares, Insomnia Immaturity, Acting out, Emotional and Behavior Extremes Self-destructive Behavior or Attitudes

Sexual Abuse:

occurs when an adult uses a child for sexual purposes or involves a child in sexual acts. It also includes when a child who is older or more powerful uses another child for sexual gratification or excitement.

Signs of Sexual Abuse
Physical	Behavioral
Difficulty sitting, walking, bowel problems Torn, stained, bloody undergarments Bleeding, bruises, pain, swelling, itching of genital area Any sexually transmitted disease or related symptoms	Withdrawn, Depressed, Anxious, Aggression Eating disorders, Preoccupation with body Poor Peer Relationships, Poor Self-Image, Poor Self-Care, Lack of Confidence Sexual Acting Out, Excessive Masturbation, Sexual Behavior or Knowledge that is Advanced or Unusual Reports Sexual Abuse

Emotional Abuse:

a parent or caregiver harms a child’s mental and social development, or causes severe emotional harm. While a single incident may be abuse, most often emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior that causes damage over time.

Signs of Emotional Abuse
Physical	Behavioral
Developmental Delays Wetting Bed, Pants Speech Disorders Health Problems (Ulcers, Skin Disorders, Obesity and Weight Fluctuation)	Overly Compliant or Defensive Extremely Emotional, Aggressive, Withdrawn, Anxieties, Phobias, Sleep Disorders Destructive or Anti-Social Behaviors (violence, cruelty, vandalism, stealing, cheating, lying) Inappropriate Behavior for Age (Too Adult, Too Infantile) Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Neglect:

when a parent or caregiver does not give the care, supervision, affection and support needed for a child’s health, safety and well-being.

Signs of Neglect
Often Hungry, Stockpiles or Seeks Food May Show Signs of Malnutrition Very Low Body Weight/Height for Age Often Tired, Sleepy, Listless Hygiene Problems, Body Odor Untreated Medical and Dental Problems