Signs and Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect

Signs and Symptoms of Physical Child Abuse

• Physical child abuse is the intentional use of physical force against a child that results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in harm to the child’s health, survival, development, or dignity
• The signs and symptoms of physical child abuse may include:
  • Unexplained bruises, welts, burns, cuts, fractures, or internal injuries
  • Injuries that are inconsistent with the child’s age, developmental stage, or reported cause
  • Injuries that have a distinctive shape or pattern that suggests an instrument or object was used (such as a belt buckle, cigarette burn, bite mark, or hand print)
  • Injuries that are in various stages of healing or have evidence of previous trauma
  • Injuries that are in unusual or unlikely locations for an accidental injury (such as the back, buttocks, genitals, face, ears, neck, or abdomen)
  • Delayed seeking of medical attention for the injury or vague or changing explanations for the cause of the injury
  • Behavioral changes such as fear, anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, depression, low self-esteem, poor academic performance, or suicidal ideation
  • Failure to thrive or grow normally

• Shaken baby syndrome, which can cause brain damage, blindness, seizures, or death
• Abdominal trauma, which can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or peritonitis
• Multiple or recurrent injuries that interfere with daily activities or normal functioning
• Fear, anxiety, distrust, or avoidance of the caregiver or other person responsible for the injury

Signs and Symptoms of Sexual Child Abuse

• Sexual child abuse is the involvement of a child in sexual activity that he or she does not fully comprehend, is unable to give informed consent to, or for which the child is not developmentally prepared and cannot give consent
• The signs and symptoms of sexual child abuse may include:
  • Genital or anal pain, bleeding, swelling, itching, or discharge
  • Sexually transmitted infections, urinary tract infections, or yeast infections
  • Pregnancy or abortion
  • Difficulty walking, sitting, urinating, or defecating
  • Excessive masturbation, sexualized behavior, or language that is inappropriate for the child’s age
  • Fear of certain people, places, or activities that are related to the abuse
  • Bedwetting, soiling, or enuresis
  • Behavioral changes such as depression, anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, low self-esteem, poor academic performance, substance abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, or suicidal ideation

Signs and Symptoms of Emotional or Psychological Child Abuse

• Emotional or psychological child abuse is the intentional or unintentional acts or omissions that cause or have a high probability of causing harm to a child’s emotional development or self-esteem
• The signs and symptoms of emotional or psychological child abuse may include:
  • Delayed development in speech, language, motor skills, or cognitive abilities
  • Poor attachment or bonding with the caregiver or other significant adults
  • Low self-esteem, poor self-image, or negative self-talk
  • Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, dissociation, or psychosis 
  • Somatic complaints such as headaches, stomachaches, or fatigue that have no medical explanation
  • Aggression, violence, delinquency, or criminal behavior
  • Withdrawal, isolation, or lack of interest in social activities or peers
  • Regression, clinginess, or excessive dependence on the caregiver or other adults
  • Anxiety, fearfulness, or hypervigilance
  • Difficulty in learning, concentrating, or remembering
  • Humiliation, guilt, shame, or self-blame

Signs and Symptoms of Child Neglect

• Child neglect is the failure to provide for a child’s basic physical, emotional, educational, or medical needs
• The signs and symptoms of child neglect may include:

• Poor hygiene, such as dirty skin, hair, nails, or clothes
• Inadequate clothing for the weather or season
• Malnutrition, dehydration, or hunger
• Failure to thrive or grow normally
• Lack of immunizations, dental care, or other preventive health services
• Untreated medical conditions, such as infections, injuries, or chronic diseases
• Inadequate supervision, such as being left alone, with strangers, or in unsafe situations
• Lack of stimulation, such as toys, books, games, or activities
• Poor social skills, such as communication, cooperation, or empathy
• Failure to attend school regularly or perform well academically