Signs of Child Abuse

Below are indicators of child abuse that can include but are not limited to these signs. Some signs are more obvious than others. Trust your instincts! Suspicion of abuse is enough reason to call the hotline. You do not need proof.

Unexplained Injuries

Visible signs of physical abuse may include unexplained burns or bruises in the shape of objects. You may also hear unconvincing explanations of injuries.

Changes in Behavior

Abuse can lead to many changes in a child’s behavior. Abused children often appear scared, anxious, depressed, withdrawn or more aggressive.

Returning to Earlier Behavior

Abused children may display behaviors shown at earlier ages such as thumb-sucking, bed-wetting, fear of the dark or strangers, loss of acquired language, or memory problems.

Fear of Going Home

Abused children may express apprehension or anxiety about leaving school or about going places with the person who is abusing them.

Changes in Eating

The stress, fear and anxiety caused by abuse can lead to changes in a child’s eating behaviors, which may result in weight gain or weight loss.

Changes in Sleeping

Abused children may have frequent nightmares or difficulty falling asleep, which may result in the child appearing tired or fatigued.

Changes in School Performance & Attendance

Abused children may have difficulty concentrating in school or have excessive absences, sometimes due to adults trying to hide the children’s injuries from authorities.

Lack of Personal Care or Hygiene

Abused and neglected children may appear uncared for. They may present as consistently dirty and have severe body odor, or they may lack sufficient clothing for the weather.

Risk-Taking Behavior

Young people who are being abused may engage in high-risk activities such as using drugs or alcohol or carrying a weapon.

Inappropriate Sexual Behavior

Children who have been sexually abused may exhibit overly sexualized behavior or use explicit sexual language.