Indicators and Clues of Child Abuse
Although abuse often goes unnoticed for some time, there are many cues and clues that one could be aware of to help stop it. These cues and clues play an important role in the end of child abuse which is why it is so imperative that we become aware of them. These are just examples of the indicators for the different types of abuse, and are by no means limited to these.
Behavioral
Neglect: doesn’t meet developmental mile stones, does not respond to stimulation, may be demanding for affection from others, assumes parental roles, antisocial behaviors, ect.
Physical Abuse: can’t recall how they became injured, stories about injuries are inconsistent, they may become extremely aggressive, may be dressed in a way that is inappropriate for the climate to hide injuries, afraid to go home, ect.
Sexual Abuse: age-inappropriate sexual play with toys, self or others, reluctance to go somewhere, nightmare/terrors, bed wetting, self-destructive behaviors, ect.
Emotional Abuse: developmental lags, extreme attentions seeking, depression, poor peer relationships, unrealistic goal setting, overly critical, ect.
Physical
Neglect: poor hygiene, consistent hunger, abnormal growth patterns (under weight, ect.) no medical or dental care, ect.
Physical Abuse: bruised, welts, burns, cuts, broken bones, concussions, bite marks, broken ribs, ect.
Sexual Abuse: excessive itching or pain in the throat, genitalia or anus, stained or bloody clothing, injury to the chest, genitals or anal region, poor personal hygiene, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, ect.
Emotional Abuse: fails to thrive, lives in poor living conditions, wetting or soiling themselves, psychosomatic complaints (stomach ache, head ache, nausea).
(Rimmer and Prager, 1998).
