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Excessively withdrawn, fearful or anxious about doing something wrong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

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