Introduction The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.

If you suspect a child is being harmed, reporting your suspicions may protect the child and get help for the family. Contact your local child protective services agency or police department. For more information about where and how to file a report, call Childhelp USA® National Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-4-A-CHILD®) You can remain anonymous!

Recognizing Child Abuse

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

The Child

• Shows sudden changes of 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 disorders
• Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen
• Lacks adult supervision
• Has difficulty making and keeping friends
• Destroys property
• Has low self-esteem
• Has problems expressing feelings
• Exhibits fatigue
• Demonstrates constant attention seeking behavior
• Has speech problems
• Is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn
• Comes to school or other activities early, stays late and does not want to go home
• Gets involved with risky behavior

The Parent

• Shows little concern for the child
• Denies the existence of, or blames the child for, the child's problems in school or home
• Asks teachers or other caretakers 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

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, these types of abuse are more typically found in combination than alone. A physically abused child, for example, is often emotionally abused as well, and a sexually abused child also may be neglected.

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.
• Missing hair
• Bite marks
• Anti-social behavior
• Problems in school
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Self-destructive or suicidal behavior
• Depression or poor self-image
• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
• Sometimes there are no obvious signs of physical abuse and a physician must examine the child to confirm the suspected abuse

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

• Offers conflicting, unconvincing or no explanation for the child's injuries
• Describes the child as "evil" or in some other very negative way
• Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
• Has a history of abuse when they were 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 constantly 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 bazaar 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
• Mentions that an adult has asked him/her to keep a secret
• Is secretive about relationships with older children or adults
• Seems very withdrawn or depressed for no obvious reason
• Has physical complaints that have no obvious explanation, for instance soreness or redness of the genital area
• Refuses to go to school or has a sudden drop in schoolwork
• Behaves very aggressively
• Harms herself/himself ( like self mutilation by cutting, etc)
• Becomes reluctant to be with particular adults, or go to previously enjoyed activities
• Seems very clingy
• Exhibits seductiveness
• Avoidance of things related to sexuality, or rejection of own genitals and body
• Suicidal behavior
• Self-injury activities
• Sudden interest in morose or morbid subjects
• Tries to avoid being left alone with an adult in the family
• Shows fear of an adult or older child
• Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
• Reports nightmares or bedwetting
• Experiences a sudden change in appetite or other eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia
• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
• Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if 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 the opposite sex
• Is secretive or 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
• Exhibits depression
• Lacks concentration
• Suffers from eating disorders
• Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment 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

¹ Some of this material was reproduced, with permission, from the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information. They, in turn, adapted this fact sheet, with permission, from Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know. Prevent Child Abuse America. © 2003