Types of Abuse:
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The following are some signs often associated with particular types of child abuse and
neglect: physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. It is important to note, however, that these types of abuse
are more typically found in combination than alone. A physically abused child, for example, is often emotionally abused as well,
and a sexually abused child also may be neglected.
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Signs of Physical Abuse: Consider the possibility of physical abuse
when the child:
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** Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes.
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** Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school.
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** Seems frightened of the parents and protests when it is time to go home.
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** Shrinks at the approach of adults.
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** Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
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Consider the possibility of physical abuse
when the parent or other adult caregiver:
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** Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury.
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** Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way.
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** Uses harsh physical discipline with the child.
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** Has a history of abuse as a child.
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Signs of Neglect: Consider the possibility of neglect when the
child:
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** Is frequently absent from school.
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** Begs or steals food or money.
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** Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses.
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** Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor.
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** Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather.
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** Abuses alcohol or other drugs.
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** States that there is no one at home to provide care.
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Consider the possibility of neglect when the
parent or other adult caregiver:
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** Appears to be indifferent to the child.
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** Seems apathetic or depressed.
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** Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner.
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** Is abusing alcohol or other drugs.
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Signs of Sexual Abuse: Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when
the child:
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** Has difficulty walking or sitting.
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** Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to
participate in physical activities.
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** Reports nightmares or bedwetting.
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** Experiences a sudden change in appetite.
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** Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or
unusual sexual knowledge or behavior.
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** Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal
disease, particularly if under age 14.
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** Runs away.
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** Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another
adult caregiver.
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Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the
parent or other adult caregiver:
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** Is unduly protective of the child or severely
limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex.
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** Is secretive and isolated.
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** Is jealous or controlling with family
members.
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Signs of Emotional Maltreatment: Consider the possibility of emotional
maltreatment when the child:
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** Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme
passivity, or aggression.
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** Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or
inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example).
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** Is delayed in physical or emotional development.
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** Has attempted suicide.
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** Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.
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Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the
parent or other adult caregiver:
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** Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child.
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** Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's
problems.
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** Overtly rejects the child.
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