Child Abuse Indicators
indications of abuse
Phsyical Abuse
Physical Indicators:
Unexplained bruises and welts
- on face, lips, mouth,
- torso, back, buttocks, thighs
- in various stages of healing
- clustered, forming rectangular patterns, reflecting shape of article used to inflict (electric cord, buckle)
- on several different surface areas
- regularly appear after absence, weekend or vacation
Unexplained burns
- cigar, cigarette burns, especially on soles, palms, back or buttocks
- immersion burns (sock-like, glove-like, doughnut shaped on buttocks or genitalia
- patterns like electric burner, iron, etc.
- rope burns on arms, legs neck or torso
- infected burns, indicating delay in seeking treatment
Unexplained fractures/dislocations
- to skull, nose, facial structure
- in various stages of healing
- multiple or spiral fractures
Unexplained lacerations or abrasions
- to mouth, lips, gums, eyes
- to external genitalia
- in various stages of healing
Unexplained abdominal injuries
- including swelling, vomiting, tenderness, blood in feces
Bald patches on the scalp
Behavioral Indicators:
- Feels deserving of punishment
- Wary of adult contact
- Apprehensive when other children cry
Behavioral extremes
- aggressiveness, or
- withdrawal
- Frightened of parents
- Afraid to go home
- Reports injury by parents
- Vacant or frozen stare
- Lies very still while surveying surroundings (infant)
- Responds to questions in monosyllables
- Inappropriate or precocious maturity
- Manipulative behavior to get attention
- Capable of only superficial relationships
- Indiscriminately seeks affection
- Poor self-concept
Caretaker's Attitude/Behavior:
- Appears unconcerned about child’s injuries
- Provides obviously false or no explanation for injury
- Attempts to conceal injury or identity of abusive party
- Reluctant to provide information about injury
- Uses harsh discipline; discipline is inappropriate to child’s age and misbehavior
- Places unrealistic demands on child
- Has distorted view of child; thinks child is “monster”
- Has unreal expectations of child
- Is psychotic or psychopathic
- Is emotionally immature and impulsive
- Abuses alcohol or drugs
- Describes being abused as a child
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