The following are a few of the physical and behavioral indicators of child abuse and neglect. Please note that this is not an exclusive list, but more a list of the most common signs and sysmptoms. For more information, please contact Childhelp USA® National Child abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD® (1-800-422-4453).

Physical Abuse
Any non-accidental physical injury or pattern of injuries inflicted or caused by an adult, parent, guardian or other person.

*Indicators are particularly telling if they are:
Repeated and consistent over time
Long lasting (as one injury heals, a newer injury appears or is discovered in a more recent state of healing.)
Location (unusual place sure as face, back,etc)

*Red Flags
Unexplained bruises,Unexplained lacerations,Unexplained burns,or Behavioral indications in the child.

Sexual Abuse
Exploitation of a child for the sexual gratification of an adult or person older than the child.

*Examples of sexual abuse:Sexual Intercourse,Fondling,Indecent exposure/exhibitionism ,Use of children in pornography,Exposing children to pornographic material,Deliberately exposing a child to the act of sexual intercourse,Masturbation in front of a child

*What to look for?
YOUNGER CHILDREN
Compulsive masterbation,Bed-wetting, soiling,Excessive curiosity about sex,Altered sleep patterns,Learning problems,Separation anxiety,Overly compulsive behavior,Developing fears and phobias,Sexual acting out with peers,Becoming nonverbal,Developing tension symptoms -- stomach aches, skin disorders,Becoming seductive

PREPUBERTY AND TEENAGE
Stealing,Running away,Starting fires,Excessive bathing ,Being withdrawn and passive,Girls pulling up skirts,Sexual inference in school artwork,Teaching others how to masterbate,Becoming aggressive toward peers,Succumbing to periods of deep depression,Falling grades,Alcohol or drug abuse

OLDER CHILDREN

Suicide attempts,Early marriage,Running away ,STD’s,Pregnancy,Substance abuse,Getting in trouble with legal system

 

• Physical Indicators

Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia,Complains of pain or itching in genitalia,Difficulty in sitting or walking,Torn, stained or bloody underclothing,Sexually transmitted diseases,Pregnancy,especially in early adolescence

• Behavioral Indictors

Bizarre or unusual sexual behaviors,Knowledge of sexual behaviors inappropriate for child’s age,Excessive masturbation,Lack of self esteem, depression, self respect,Child may seem very mature for age,Child may talk about secrets

Physical Neglect:
Failing to meet a child’s minimum needs for food clothing, shelter, education, affection, medical care, dental care, etc…
(Head lice in and of itself is not defined as neglect by the Alabama Department of Human Resources unless the head lice is left untreated.)
Physical indicators of neglect,Behavioral indicators of the child

Emotional Neglect & Abuse
A pattern of behavior that takes place over an extended period of time, characterized by intimidation, belittling and otherwise damaging interaction that affects a child’s healthy emotional development.
Physical indicators of emotional abuse and neglect,Behavioral indicators of the child