How do I recognize abuse?

Child abuse cuts across all social classes and ethnicity and can occur in many different ways.  There are four major types of child abuse: physical abuse, neglect, emotional abuse and sexual abuse. The first step in helping a neglected or abused child is to identify the signs and symptoms of abuse.

Warning Signs of Physical Abuse

• Bruises, burn, abrasions, laceration, or swelling caused by other than accidental means
• Belt buckle marks, hand prints, bite marks, and pinches
• Child states injury was caused by abuse
• Injury unusual for a specific age group
• A history of previous or recurrent injuries
• Unexplained injuries; conflicting explanations or reasons for the injury
• Child excessively passive, compliant or fearful
• Caretaker attempts to hide injuries

Warning Signs of Neglect

• Child is lacking adequate medical or dental care
• Child is always sleepy and/or hungry
• Child is always dirty or inadequately dressed for weather conditions
• There is evidence of poor supervision
• Conditions in the home are extremely or persistently unsafe or unsanitary

Warning Signs of Emotional Abuse

• Child exhibits extremes in behavior from overly aggressive to overly passive
• Child displays delayed physical, emotional, or intellectual development
• Caretaker constantly criticizes, threatens, belittles or rejects child with no evidence of love or support

Warning Signs of Sexual Abuse

• Pain, bleeding, redness, or swelling in anal or genital area
• Age-inappropriate sexual play with toys, self, or others
• Age-inappropriate knowledge of sex