Signs of Child Abuse

April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month. Here are some signs that a child is being abused.

Signs of Physical Abuse

• Unexplained changes in the child’s body or behavior

• Injuries (bruise, burns, scratches etc.) that cannot be explained

• “On alert” behavior, like if the child is waiting for something bad to happen

• Shying away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems afraid to go home

• Appears to be afraid of adults

Signs of Emotional Abuse

• Changes in behavior 

• Speech disorders

• Developmental delays

• Lack of attachment to the parent

• Excessively withdrawn, fearful or anxious about doing something wrong

• Acts like an adult (taking care of other children) or acting like a young child (rocking, thumb-sucking, tantrums)

• Aggressive behavior

Signs of Sexual Abuse

• Extreme sexual behavior that seems inappropriate for the child’s age

• Sexual acting out on other children

• Genital pain, itching, swelling or bleeding, as well as a sexually transmitted disease

• Refusal to change for physical activities (e.g. P.E. class) or refusal to participate in physical activities

• Fear of being alone with adults, especially of a particular gender

• Suicide attempts

• Trouble walking or sitting

• Nightmares or bedwetting

• Sudden changes in appetite

• Fear of a particular person or family member

 Neglect

• Frequently absent from school

• Stealing food or money

• Poor hygiene

• Lack of appropriate clothing for weather or season

• Frequently unsupervised, left alone, or allowed to play in unsafe situations and environments

• Lacks needed medical or dental care

If you know a child that shows any of these signs, contact police or child services immediately.