Signs of Abuse

Signs aren’t always obvious, so learning the signs of abuse may save your child’s life.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Multiple hospital trips, bruises, burns, cuts, fractures, unexplained injuries, injuries that don’t match the given explanation, untreated medical and/or dental problems.

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Acting out sexually or sexually abusing other children, sleep issues, change in mood, fear of being touched, sexually transmitted infections, blood in child’s underwear, trouble walking or sitting or complaints of genital pain.

Signs of Emotional Abuse

Delayed or inappropriate emotional development, loss of self-confidence or self-esteem, social withdrawal or loss of interest or enthusiasm, avoidance of certain situations (going to school, riding the bus), desperately seeks affection, decrease in school performance or loss of interest in school, loss of previously acquired developmental skills.

Signs of Neglect

Poor growth or weight gain, poor hygiene, lack of clothing or supplies to meet physical needs, taking food or money without permission, eating a lot in one sitting or hiding food for later, poor record of school attendance, lack of appropriate attention for medical, dental or psychological problems or lack of necessary follow-up care, emotional swings that are inappropriate or out of context to the situation, indifference.