Type of Child Abuse/Neglect

Physical Indicators

Behavioral Indicators

Physical
Abuse

Unexplained Bruises and Welts

• on face, lips, mouth
• on torso, back buttocks, thighs
• in various stages of healing
• clustered, forming regular patterns
• reflecting shape of article used to inflict (electric cord, belt buckle)
• on several different surface areas
• regularly appear after absence, weekend, or vacation

Unexplained Burns:

• cigar, cigarette burns, especially on soles, palms, back, or buttocks
• immersion burns (sock-like, glove-like, doughnut-shaped on buttocks or genitalia)
• patterned like electric burner, iron, etc.
• rope burns on arms, legs, neck, or torso

Unexplained Fractures:

• to skull, nose, facial structure
• in various stages of healing
  multiple or spiral fractures

Unexplained Lacerations or Abrasions:

• to mouth, lip, gums, eyes
• to external genitalia

Wary of adult contacts

Apprehensive when other children cry

Behavioral extremes:

• aggressiveness, or
• withdrawal

Frightened of parents

Afraid to go home

Reports injury by parents

Physical
Neglect

• Consistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress
• Consistent lack of supervision, especially in dangerous activities or for long periods
• Unattended physical problems or medical needs
• Abandonment

Begging, stealing food

Extended stays at school (early arrival and late departure)

Constant fatigue, listlessness, or falling asleep in class

Alcohol or drug abuse

Sexual
Abuse

• Difficulty in walking or sitting
• Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
• Pain or itching in genital area
• Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia, vaginal, or anal areas
• Venereal disease, especially in preteens
• Pregnancy

Unwilling to change for gym or participate in physical education class

Withdrawal, fantasy, infantile behavior

Bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge

Poor peer relationships

Delinquent or run away

Reports sexual assault by caretaker

Emotional
Maltreatment

• Speech disorders
• Lags in physical development
• Failure-to-thrive

Habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking, etc.)

Conduct disorders (antisocial, destructive, etc.)

Neurotic traits (sleep disorders, inhibition of play)

Psychoneurotic reactions (hysteria, obsession, compulsion, phobias, hypochondria)

Behavior extremes:

• compliant, passive
• aggressive, demanding

Overly adaptive behavior:

• inappropriately adult
• inappropriately infant

Developmental lags (mental, emotional

Attempted suicide