What is Child Abuse?

Signs & Symptoms of Abuse

Unexplainable changes in the child’s body or behavior
Any injury (bruise, burn, fracture, abdominal or head injury) that cannot be explained
Is always watchful and “on alert,” as if waiting for something bad to happen
Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home
Appears to be afraid of adults
Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, i.e. long-sleeved shirts on hot days
School failure
Headaches or stomachaches with no medical cause

Behavioral change tends to reflect the anxiety that results from a stressful situation of any type
Depression
Apathy
Lack of Concentration
Reports a Lack of attachment to the parent
Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something wrong
Acts either inappropriately adult (taking care of other children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking, tantruming
Extremely passive or aggressive behavior

Extreme sexual behavior that seems inappropriate for the child’s age
Genital pain or bleeding, as well as a sexually transmitted disease
Doesn’t want to change clothes in front of others or participate in physical activities
Runs away from home
Has trouble walking or sitting
Nightmares or bedwetting
Has a sudden change in appetite
Fear of a particular person or family member

Frequently absent from school
Steals food or money
Consistently poor hygiene
Lacks the appropriate clothing for weather
Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments
Lacks needed medical or dental care