DCF | Indicators of Child Abuse / Neglect

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Reporting Child Abuse/Neglect

Different types of abuse and neglect have different physical and behavioral indicators.

Physical Abuse

Physical Indicators

Behavioral Indicators

Unexplained bruises and welts:

On face, lips, mouth
On torso, back, buttocks, thighs
In various stages of healing
Cluster, forming regular patterns
Reflecting shape of article used to inflict (electric cord, belt 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)
Patterned like electric burner, iron, etc.
Rope burns on arms, legs, neck or torso

Unexplained fractures:

To skull, nose, facial structure
In various stages of healing
Multiple or spiral fractures

Unexplained laceration or abrasions:

To mouth, lips, gums, eyes
To external genitalia

Wary of adult contacts
Apprehensive when other children cry
Behavioral extremes:

Aggressiveness
Withdrawal

Frightened of parents
Afraid to go home
Reports injury by parents

Physical Neglect

Physical Indicators	Behavioral Indicators
Consistent hunger, poor hygiene, inappropriate dress Consistent lack of supervision, especially in dangerous activities or long periods Constant fatigue or listlessness Unattended physical problems or medical needs Abandonment	Begging, stealing food Extended stays at school (early arrival and late departure) Constantly falling asleep in class Alcohol or drug abuse Delinquency (e.g. thefts) States there is no caregiver

Sexual Abuse

Physical Indicators	Behavioral Indicators
Difficulty in walking or sitting Torn, stained or bloody underclothing Pain or itching in genital area Bruises or bleeding in external genitalia, vaginal or anal areas Venereal disease, especially in pre-teens Pregnancy	Unwilling to change for gym or participate in PE Withdrawn, fantasy or infantile behavior Bizarre, sophisticated or unusual sexual behavior or knowledge Poor peer relationships Delinquent or run away Reports sexual assault by caregiver

Emotional Maltreatment

Physical Indicators

Behavioral Indicators

Habit disorders (sucking, biting, rocking, etc.)
Conduct disorders (antisocial, destructive, etc.)
Neurotic traits (sleep disorders, speech disorders, inhibition of play)

Behavior extremes:

Compliant, passive
Aggressive, demanding

Overly adoptive behavior:

Inappropriately adult
Inappropriately infant

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