What are some physical signs of child abuse and neglect?
• Abnormal welts • Bruises • Burns • Black eyes • Recurring injuries • Limping • Noticeable pain when moving (Sometimes, through fear of family reaction, children will deny that anything is wrong). What are some psychological signs of child abuse and neglect? • Withdrawn • Angry • Uncooperative • Depressed • Disruptive • Frightened • Afraid to go home • Seldom smiles What are signs of neglect? • Inadequately clothed • Stringy hair • Lusterless eyes • Malnourished • Physically dirty • Unkept • Tired Physical and Behavioral Signs of Sexual Abuse Children who may be too frightened to talk about sexual molestation may exhibit a variety of physical and behavioral signs. Any or several of these signs may be significant. Parents should assume responsibility for noticing such symptoms including: • Extreme changes in behavior such as loss of appetite. • Recurrent nightmares or disturbed sleep patterns and fear of the dark. • Regression to more infantile behavior such as bedwetting, thumb suckin
