Signs of Abuse
 

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Physical Abuse

  Physical Indicators:

Unexplained bruises or welts; may be in various stages of healing, or in clusters of unusual patterns, or on several different areas

Unexplained burns; in shape of cigarette, rope, or iron or caused by  immersion which may appear sock- or glovelike

Unexplained lacerations to mouth, lips, arms, legs, or torso

Unexplained skeletal injuries or stiff swollen joints, or multiple or spiral fractures

Missing or loosened teeth

Human bite marks

Bald spots

Unexplained abrasions

Appearance of injuries after school absence, weekend, or vacation
 

  Behavioral Indicators:

Easily frightened or fearful of adults/parents, or of physical contact, or when other children cry

Destructive to self and/or others

Extremes of behavior: aggressive, withdrawn

Poor social relations

Learning problems; poor academic performance, short attention span, language delayed

Runaway or delinquent behavior

Reporting unbelievable reasons for injuries

Complaints of soreness or moves awkwardly

Accident prone

Wears clothing that clearly is meant to cover body when not appropriate

Seems afraid to go home
 

  Physical Indicators:

Difficulty walking/ sitting

Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing

Genital/ anal itching, pain, swelling, burning

Genital/ anal bruises or bleeding

Frequent urinary tract or yeast infections

Pain on urination

Vaginal/ penile discharge

Poor sphincter control

Venereal disease

Pregnancy

Chronic unexplained sore throats

Frequent psychosomatic illnesses

Loss of appetite
 

  Behavioral Indicators:

Sudden radical behavior change

Destructive to self and/or others

Extremes in behavior: aggressive, withdrawn

Poor social relations

Refuses to change for gym

Behaves seductively and has sexual knowledge beyond age

Sexually acts out or attempts to force or coerce other children to be sexual

Regressive behavior

Runaway or delinquent behavior

Complains of soreness or moves or sits awkwardly

Wears clothing that covers body when not appropriate

Depressed/ apathetic or suicidal

Compulsive bathing

Nightmares
 

  Physical Indicators:

Poor growth pattern

Constant hunger

Malnutrition

Poor hygiene: body odor, lice

Inappropriate clothing

Constant fatigue

Listlessness

Falls asleep in school

Consistent lack of supervision; especially for long periods or in dangerous activities

Unexplained bruises or injuries as a result of poor supervision

Unattended physical problems or medical needs such as: lack of proper immunizations; gross dental problems; needs glasses/ hearing aids
 

  Behavioral Indicators:

Developmental lags

Begs or steals food, forages through garbage

Always hungry

Destructive to self and/or others

Extremes in behavior: aggressive, withdrawn

Hyperactive

Assumes adult responsibilities or acts in pseudo-mature fashion

Exhibits infantile behavior

Delinquent behavior

Depressed/ apathetic; states "no one cares"

Frequent school absences or chronic tardiness

Seeks attention and/ or affection

Hypochondria
 

  Physical Indicators:

Failure to thrive

Developmental lags

Wetting of bed/ pants

Thumbsucking

Appears sad

Speech disorders

Health problems: ulcers; asthma; skin disorders; severe allergies; obesity; extreme weight loss

Poor appearance

Drug or alcohol abuse
 

  Behavioral Indicators:

Habit disorders: sucking, biting, rocking, etc.

Destructive to self and/or others

Extremes in behavior: aggressive, withdrawn

Phobias, sleep disorders, etc.

Developmental lags:  mental, emotional

Learning problems

Inhibition of play

Cruelty, vandalism, stealing, cheating, etc.

Overly adaptive behavior: inappropriately adult; inappropriately infantile

Depression

Suicidal ideation