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Child Abuse and Neglect
The first step in helping children that are being neglected or abused is to learn and recognize the signs of child abuse and neglect. A single sign does not prove child abuse is occurring in a family, but it does deserve a closer look at the situation especially when these signs appear repeatedly or in combination.

It is important that if you do suspect a child is being harmed or neglected, reporting your suspicions may protect the child and get help for the family. Any concerned person can report suspicions of child abuse and neglect. Some people (typically certain types of professionals) are called madatory reporters, and by law are required to make a report of child maltreatment under specific circumstances.

How do you recognize child abuse?
There are several signs that may indicate the prescence of child abuse or neglect. These signs can be seen from the child, from the parent and from the interaction of the child and parent.

The Child:
The child may show sudden changes in behavior or school performance. The child has not received any help for physical or medical problems that have been brought to the attention of the parent. The child may exhibit learning problems or have difficulty concentrating that can't be tied to any specific physical or psychological causes. The child is always watchful as if getting ready for something bad to happen. The child lacks any adult supervision and is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn. The child comes to school or other activities early, stays late, and does not want to go home.

The Parent:
The parent shows little concern for the child and denies the existence of the child's problems in school or at home. The parent blames the child for problems in school or at home. The parent asks teachers or other caregivers to use harsh discipline if the child misbehaves. The parent sees the child as totally worthless, bad or a burden. The parent demands a level of academic or physical performance from the child that cannot be achieved. The parent looks primarily to the child for attention, care and satisfaction of emotional needs.

The Parent and Child:
The parent and child rarely touch or look at each other, they consider their relationship entirely negative and say that they do not like each other.

Types of Child Abuse (Courtesy of the Child Welfare Information Gateway).

There are several different types of child abuse and each show different signs. The types of abuse include physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. It is important to be aware that these types of abuse are more typicaaly found in combination than alone. For example, a physically abused child is often emotionally abused as well, and a sexually abused child may also be neglected.

Signs of Physical Abuse

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:
Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, or black eyes
Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school
Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home
Shrinks at the approach of adults
Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Offers conflicting, unconvincing, or no explanation for the child's injury
Describes the child as "evil," or in some other very negative way
Uses harsh physical discipline with the child
Has a history of abuse as a child

Signs of Neglect

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:
Is frequently absent from school
Begs or steals food or money
Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or glasses
Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor
Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather
Abuses alcohol or other drugs
States that there is no one at home to provide care

Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Appears to be indifferent to the child
Seems apathetic or depressed
Behaves irrationally or in a bizarre manner
Is abusing alcohol or other drugs

Signs of Sexual Abuse

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:
Has difficulty walking or sitting
Suddenly refuses to change for gym or to participate in physical activities
Reports nightmares or bedwetting
Experiences a sudden change in appetite
Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior
Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14
Runs away
Reports sexual abuse by a parent or another adult caregiver

Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Is unduly protective of the child or severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex
Is secretive and isolated
Is jealous or controlling with family members

Signs of Emotional Maltreatment

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:
Shows extremes in behavior, such as overly compliant or demanding behavior, extreme passivity, or aggression
Is either inappropriately adult (parenting other children, for example) or inappropriately infantile (frequently rocking or head-banging, for example)
Is delayed in physical or emotional development
Has attempted suicide
Reports a lack of attachment to the parent

Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the parent or other adult caregiver:
Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child
Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's problems
Overtly rejects the child