
Signs of Child Abuse
The following signs and symptoms are commonly associated with abuse, however they alone are not conclusive. Please use this as a guide to help identify abuse when it is present.
Physical Abuse
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Frequent injuries that are unexplained and/or when the child or parent cannot adequately explain injury causes such as: bruises, cuts, black eyes, fractures, burns
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Burns or bruises in an unusual pattern that may indicate the use of an instrument
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Lack of reaction to pain
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Injuries that appear after the child has not been seen for several days
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Evidence of delayed or inappropriate treatment for injuries
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Injuries involving the face, backs of hands, buttocks, genital area, abdomen, back, or sides of the body
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Frequent complaints of pain without obvious injury
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Complaints of soreness or discomfort when moving
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Aggressive, disruptive, and destructive or self-destructive behavior
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Passive, withdrawn, emotionless behavior
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Fear of going home or seeing parents
Neglect
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Obvious malnourishment or inadequate nutrition
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Lack of personal cleanliness
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Torn and/or dirty clothes
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Need for glasses, dental care, or other unattended medical attention
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Consistent hunger, stealing or begging for food
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Distended stomach, emaciated
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Lack of supervision for long periods of time
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Frequent absence or tardiness from school
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Regularly displays fatigue or listlessness or falls asleep in class
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Reports that no caretaker is at home
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Self-destructive behavior
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Extreme loneliness and need for affection
Emotional Abuse
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Speech disorders
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Delayed physical development
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Substance abuse
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Ulcers, asthma, severe allergies
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Habit disorders (sucking, rocking, biting)
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Antisocial or destructive behaviors
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Delinquent behaviors (especially adolescents)
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Developmentally delayed
Sexual Abuse
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Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
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Pain, swelling, or itching in genital area
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Difficulty walking or sitting
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Excessive seductiveness, inappropriate sex play, or premature understanding of sex
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Role reversal, overly concerned for siblings
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Significant weight change
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Suicide attempts (especially adolescents)
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Threatened by physical contact or closeness
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Extreme fear of being alone with adults, especially if of a particular gender
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Sudden refusal to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
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Sexual victimization of other children
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Major change in normal mood or behavior