Child Abuse Prevention Tips ■ Mandated Reporters ■ Report Abuse ■ Signs of Abuse

Signs of Abuse

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

The U. S. government defines child abuse and neglect in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act as “the physical and mental injury, sexual abuse, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 by a person who is responsible for the child’s welfare under circumstances which indicate that the child’s health or welfare is harmed or threatened.”

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) as amended by Keeping Children and Families Safe Act of 2003, 42 U.S.C. § 5106(g) (2003)

Recognizing Child Abuse and Neglect: Signs and Symptoms

The first step in helping abused or neglected children is learning to recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. The presence of a single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family; however, when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination you should take a closer look at the situation and consider the possibility of child abuse.

The following signs may signal the presence of child abuse or neglect.

The Child:
■	Shows sudden changes in behavior or school performance.
■	Has not received help for physical or medical problems brought to the parents' attention.
■	Has learning problems (or difficulty concentrating) that cannot be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes.
■	·Psychologists
■	Is always watchful, as though preparing for something bad to happen.
■	Lacks adult supervision.
■	Is overly compliant, passive, or withdrawn.
■	Comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.
■
The Parent:
■	Shows little concern for the child.
■	·Denies the existence of—or blames the child for—the child's problems in school or at home.
■	Asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves.
■	Sees the child as entirely bad, worthless, or burdensome.
■	Demands a level of physical or academic performance the child cannot achieve.
■	Looks primarily to the child for care, attention, and satisfaction of emotional needs.

The Parent and Child:
■	Rarely touch or look at each other.
■	Consider their relationship entirely negative.
■	State that they do not like each other.

Common Indicators:
■	Physical Abuse
■	Neglect
■	Sexual Abuse
■	Emotional Abuse

Author: National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information (DHHS)