Signs & Symptoms

Signs of Physical Abuse

• Unexplained changes in the child’s body or behavior or regression to earlier developmental stages
• Any injury (bruise, burn, fracture, abdominal or head injury) that cannot be explained
• Watchful and “on alert” behavior, as if the child is waiting for something bad to happen
• Shying away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home
• Appears to be afraid of adults
• Wears clothing inappropriate to the season or weather to cover injuries, i.e. long-sleeved shirts on hot days
• School failure
• Frequent headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause

Signs of Emotional Abuse

• Behavioral changes
• Speech disorders
• Substance abuse
• Developmental delays
• Lack of attachment to the parent
• Excessively withdrawn, fearful or anxious about doing something wrong
• Acts either inappropriately adult (taking care of other children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking, tantrums)
• Extremely passive or aggressive behavior

Signs of Sexual Abuse

• Extreme sexual behavior that seems inappropriate for the child’s age
• Sexual acting out on other children
• Genital pain, itching, swelling or bleeding, as well as a sexually transmitted disease
• Refusal to change for physical activities (e.g. P.E. class) or refusal to participate in physical activities
• Depression
• Runaway
• Fear of being alone with adults, especially of a particular gender
• Suicide attempts
• Trouble walking or sitting
• Nightmares or bedwetting
• Sudden changes in appetite
• Fear of a particular person or family member

Signs of Neglect

• Frequently absent from school
• Theft of food or money
• Consistently poor hygiene
• Lack of appropriate clothing for weather or season
• Frequently unsupervised, left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments
• Lacks needed medical or dental care

More Information: 

Child Abuse and Neglect: Recognizing and Preventing Child Abuse

Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms