Possible indicators of physical abuse
By themselves,
these signs do not prove abuse or neglect. But they do tell us we
need to know more about the child's or youth's circumstances. They
can be the result of phenomena such as divorce, separation, death
of a significant person or the arrival of a new sibling. That's why
indicators must be assessed by professionals. The important thing
to know is what the signs are, and how to report them if a child
or youth may need protection. |
Physical indicators
(Many physical indicators
listed in the Possible indicators of neglect
page can also result in physical abuse)
- injuries (bruises,
welts, cuts, burns, bite marks, fractures, etc.) that are not consistent
with the explanation offered (e.g. extensive bruising to one area)
- presence of several
injuries (3+) that are in various stages of healing
- repeated injuries
over a period of time
- injuries that form
a shape or pattern that may look like the object used to make the injury
(e.g. buckle, hand, iron, teeth, cigarette burns)
- facial injuries
in infants and preschool children (e.g. cuts, bruises, sores, etc.)
- injuries not consistent
with the child's age and development
- bald patches on
child's head where hair may have been torn out
- repeated poisonings
and/or accidents
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Behavioural indicators
- runaway attempts
and fear of going home
- stilted conversation,
vacant stares or frozen watchfulness, no attempt to seek comfort when
hurt
- describes self
as bad and deserving to be punished
- cannot recall how
injuries occurred, or offers an inconsistent explanation
- wary of adults
or reluctant to go home
- often absent from
school/child care
- may flinch if touched
unexpectedly
- extremely aggressive
or withdrawn
- displays indiscriminate
affection-seeking behaviour
- abusive behaviour
and language in play
- overly compliant
and/or eager to please
- poor sleeping patterns,
fear of the dark, frequent nightmares
- sad, cries frequently
- drug/alcohol misuse
- depression
- poor memory and
concentration
- suicide attempts
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