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abuse
November 2006 
Recognizing Child Abuse: What Parents Should Know
Posted on Nov 17th, 2006
by 
Cathe
Cathe
Consider the possibility of physical abuse when the child:
SIGNS OF NEGLECT
Consider the possibility of neglect when the child:
Consider the possibility of neglect when the parent or other adult caregiver:
SIGNS OF SEXUAL ABUSE
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the child:
Consider the possibility of sexual abuse when the parent or other adult caregiver:
SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL MALTREATMENT
Consider the possibility of emotional maltreatment when the child:
Physical abuse:
The four major types of child abuse are:
- 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 from school;
- Shrinks at the approach of adults; or
- Reports injury by a parent or another 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; or
- 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 from classmates;
- 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; or
- States 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; or
- 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;
- Demonstrates bizarre, sophisticated, or unusual sexual knowledge or behavior;
- Becomes pregnant or contracts a venereal disease, particularly if under age fourteen;
- Runs away; or
- 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, severely limits the child's contact with other children, especially of the opposite sex;
- Is secretive and isolated; or
- Describes marital difficulties involving family power struggles or sexual relations.
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; or
- Reports a lack of attachment to the parent.
- Constantly blames, belittles, or berates the child;
- Is unconcerned about the child and refuses to consider offers of help for the child's school problems; or
- Overtly rejects the child.
Physical abuse:
The four major types of child abuse are:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Neglect
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