Child Abuse Nature

Physical Abuse

• Unexplained or repeated injuries such as welts, bruises, or burns.
• Injuries that are in the shape of an object (belt buckle, electric cord, etc.)
• Injuries not likely to happen given the age or ability of the child. For example, broken bones in a child too young to walk or climb.
• Disagreement between the child's and the parent's explanation of the injury.
• Unreasonable explanation of the injury.
• Obvious neglect of the child (dirty, undernourished, inappropriate clothes for the weather, lack of medical or dental care).
• Fearful behavior.

Emotional - Verbal Abuse

• Aggressive or withdrawn behavior.
• Shying away from physical contact with parents or adults.
• Afraid to go home.

Sexual Abuse

• Child tells you he/she was sexually mistreated.
• Child has physical signs such as:
  • difficulty in walking or sitting.
  • stained or bloody underwear.
  • genital or rectal pain, itching, swelling, redness, or discharge
  • bruises or other injuries in the genital or rectal area.
• Child has behavioral and emotional signs such as:
  • difficulty eating or sleeping.
  • soiling or wetting pants or bed after being potty trained.
  • acting like a much younger child.
  • excessive crying or sadness.
  • withdrawing from activities and others.
  • talking about or acting out sexual acts beyond normal sex play for age.