General Signs

• Changes in behavior, appearing anxious, passive, depressed, withdrawn, or excessively angry
• Fear of being with a particular person
• Changes in school performance or attendance
• Self-harming behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol, promiscuity, carrying a weapon, cutting, or trying to run away
• Changes in eating and sleeping that may show up in physical appearance
• Returning to earlier behaviors, such as bed-wetting, thumb-sucking, fear of strangers, and baby talk
• Unexplained injuries or physical issues, headaches, stomach pain, and trouble walking or sitting
• Apparent lack of adult supervision or care

Signs Related to Particular Types of Abuse

Neglect

• Failure to thrive with poor growth or weight gain
• Poor hygiene, appearing uncared for or unkempt
• Lack of clothing or other basic needs
• Obsession with food, such as eating a lot in one sitting or hoarding
• Poor school attendance
• Lack of attention for medical or dental care
• Emotional behavior inappropriate to the situation
• Indifference

Physical Abuse

• Unexplained injuries, including broken bones, bruises in the shape of objects or on the face, or burns
• Injuries to an immobile child
• Untreated medical or dental problems

Sexual Abuse

• Disclosures of such abuse
• Sexual behavior or knowledge that is inappropriate for the child’s age, such as explicit language, or acting out sexual scenarios with dolls, toys, or friends
• Aggressive sexual behavior toward other children
• Physical signs, including headaches, stomach pain, trouble walking or sitting, urination pain, or blood in underwear
• Pregnancy or sexually transmitted infection

Emotional Abuse

• Withdrawal or loss of self-confidence/self-esteem
• Depression and anxiety
• Inappropriate emotional response or delayed development
• Overly interested in affection
• Loss of interest in school or activities
• Avoidance of certain situations, including attendance and participation in school
• Unexplained physical issues, such as headaches and stomach aches

Signs an Adult May be Abusive

• Little concern for the child
• Talks about extensive disciplining of the child and asks others to use harsh discipline
• Unrealistic expectations of the child
• Berates or humiliates the child constantly
• Sees the child as bad, worthless, or out of control
• Denies that problems exist at home or blames the child
• Unable / unwilling to meet the child’s basic needs and provide a safe environment
• Expects the child to provide the caregiver with attention and care and may be jealous of others