Types of Abuse

 

The following are some signs often associated with particular types of child abuse and neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. It is important to note, however, that these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than alone.

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Signs of Physical Abuse

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:
 

• Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes

• Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school

• Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home

• Shrinks at the approach of adults

• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver
   

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

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• Offer conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child’s injury

• Describes the child as “evil”, or in some other very negative way

• Uses harsh physical discipline with the child

• Has a history of abuse as a child

Signs of Neglect

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:
 

• Is frequently absent from school

• Begs or steals food or money

• Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses

• Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor

• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather

• Abuses alcohol or other drugs

• States that there is no one at home to provide care
   

Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Appears to be indifferent to the child

• Seems apathetic or depressed

• Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner

• Is abusing alcohol or other drugs

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:
 

• Has difficulty walking or sitting

• Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES

• Reports nightmares or bedwetting

• Experiences a sudden change in appetite

• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior

• Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly in under age 14

• Runs away

• Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver
   

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child’s contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex

• Is secretive and isolated

• Is jealous or controlling with family members

Signs of Emotional Maltreatment

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:
 

• Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression

• Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)

• Is delayed in physical or emotional development

• Has attempted suicide

• Reports a lack of attachment to the parent

• Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:

• Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child

• Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child’s problems

• Overtly rejects the child

 

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