Physical Abuse Red Flags
Unexplained bruises...
Indicators in Child's Behavior
Indicators in Child's Behavior
- Child is furtive or embarrassed when bruises are discussed.
- Child has many "accidents" at home and seems secretive about what happened.
- Child complains of beatings.
Indicators in Child's Behavior
Indicators in Child's Behavior
Indicators in Child's Behavior
- Fear of parents or caretaker.
- Reluctant to go home.
- Difficulty in walking
- Listless, detached, withdrawn, preoccupied, extremely aggressive.
- School performance deteriorates
- Wears inappropriate clothing,
Parental Behaviors
Indicators in Child's Behavior
Unexplained lacerations...
- Shows little feeling or compassion for the child.
- Belittles the child.
- Gives vague or inconsistent explanations of accidents or injuries.
- Expects the child to conform to rigid standards of behavior.
Unexplained lacerations...
Indicators in Child's Behavior
Unexplained lacerations...
- to the face, mouth, eyes, gums, etc.
- to the external genitals.
- to the legs, arms, torso that mimic the imprint of a belt, extension cord, coat hanger.
Sexual Abuse Red Flags
Physical Indicators
Indicators in Child's Behavior
Indicators in Child's Behavior
- Difficulty in walking or sitting.
- Lack of bowel control.
- Bloody discharge in pre-menstrual girls or anal bleeding in boys.
- Venereal disease.
- Complains of pain, itching or swelling in the genital area.
Indicators in Child's Behavior
Indicators in Child's Behavior
Indicators in Child's Behavior
- Child discloses he/she has been sexually abused.
- Bizarre or unusual sexual behaviors.
- Knowledge of sexual behaviors inappropriate for child's age.
- Excessive masturbation.
- Lack of self-esteem,
- Child talks of "secrets" that cannot be told.
Parental behaviors
Indicators in Child's Behavior
Parental behaviors
- Perceives the child as "different" or "bad".
- Belittles or humiliates the child.
- Insists that the child be treated differently.
- Expresses or shows no affection toward the child.