What are the signs of abuse and neglect?
The victim may be unkempt or dirty, malnourished or dehydrated, and/or foul smelling. Their home or yard is in obvious need of repair. The victim may have poor skin condition; patches of hair missing and/or bleeding below the scalp; an untreated medical condition; soiled clothing or bed; torn, stained or bloody underclothing; cuts, pinch marks, skin tears, lacerations or puncture wounds; unexplained bruises or welts in various stages of healing; burns which may be caused by cigarettes, caustics, friction from ropes or chains; injuries that are incompatible with explanations; and/or injuries that reflect outline of object used to inflict it, such as electric cords, belt, hands.
