Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect:
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Signs and Symptoms
IntroductionThe 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.
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* Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.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 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.
* 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.
* Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
* Offers 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 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 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 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.
This fact sheet was adapted, with permission, from Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know. Prevent Child Abuse America. © 2003.
© 2003
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