INDICATORS OF NEGLECT

Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:

• Is frequently absent from school.
• Begs for or steals food or money.
• Lacks needed medical or dental care, immunizations, or eyeglasses.
• Is consistently dirty and has severe body odor.
• Lacks sufficient clothing for the weather.
• Is constantly tired.
• Abuses alcohol or other drugs.
• Engages in compulsive scavenging.
• States that there is no one at home to provide care.
• Has no peer relationships.

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.

INDICATORS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE

Consider the possibility of emotional abuse when the child:

• Shows extremes in behavior: such as overly compliant or demanding, extremely passive or aggressive.
• Shows age-inappropriate adult behavior, such as parenting other children.
• Sudden speech disorders.
• Continual self-depreciation ("I'm stupid, ugly," etc.).
• Over-reacts to mistakes.
• Has extreme fear of any new situation.
• Responds inappropriately to pain ("I deserve this").
• Shows neurotic habits such as rocking, hair twisting, self-mutilation.
• Shows delays in physical or emotional development.
• Has attempted suicide.
• Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.

Consider the possibility of emotional abuse 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.

INDICATORS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE

Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:

• Has unexplained burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, black eyes, or bald patches.
• Has fading bruises or other marks noticeable after an absence from school.
• Offers improbable excuses for or refuses to explain injuries.
• Becomes aggressive toward others.
• Seems frightened of the parents and protests or cries when it is time to go home.
• Shrinks at the approach of adults.
• Fears physical contact.
• Fears medical help or examination.
• Reports injury by a parent or another adult caregiver.
• Admits being punished, but the punishment is excessive.

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.

INDICATORS 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 bed wetting.
• Experiences a sudden change in appetite, loss of appetite or compulsive eating.
• Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior.
• Is overly affectionate in a sexual way.
• Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age 14.
• Shows extreme reactions such as self-mutilation, suicide attempts, running away, anorexia.
• Regresses to younger behavior patterns such as thumb sucking or bringing out discarded cuddly toys.
• Becomes isolated or withdrawn.
• Suddenly begins drawing sexually explicit pictures.
• Tries to be 'ultra-good' or perfect; over-reacts to criticism.
• 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.

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copyright © 2007 Natalia J. Garland