Signs of Abuse

Unexplained injuries

• Unexplained burns or bruises in the shape of objects
• You may hear unconvincing explanations of the child’s injuries

Changes in behavior

• Appearing scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive
• Returning to earlier behaviors

Displaying behaviors shown at earlier ages

• thumb-sucking
• bed-wetting
• fear of the dark or strangers

Fear of certain places or people

• Child does not want to go home at the end of the day

Changes in eating

• May result in weight gain or loss

Changes in sleeping

• Child has frequent nightmare
• Has difficulty falling asleep

Changes in school performance and attendance

• Difficulty concentrating, excessive absences, grades dropping

Lack of personal care or hygiene

• May appear uncared for, consistently dirty, severe body odor, lacking sufficient clothing for the weather

Risk taking behaviors

• Using drugs or alcohol or carrying a weapon

Inappropriate sexual behaviors

• Exhibiting overly sexualized behavior or using explicit sexual language