Recognizing Child Abuse

 

The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.
 

The Child:

• Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance

• Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents’ attention

• Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes

• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen

• Lacks adult supervision

• Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn

• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.
   

The Parent:

• Shows little concern for the child

• Denies the existence of - or blames the child for – the child’s problems in school or at home

• Asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves.

• Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome

• Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve

• Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs
   

The Parent and Child:

• Rarely touch or look at each other

• Consider their relationship entirely negative

• State that they do not like each other

 

Child Welfare Information Gateway. 
Available online at www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/signs.cfm.