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WARNING SIGNS

Identify At Risk Children! One step in helping abused or neglected children is to recognize the warning signs. We need to report any suspected physical abuse, medical neglect, mental abuse or sexual abuse inflicted upon a child by caretakers.

No one symptom alone “proves” child abuse, but when they appear often, or in combination with other symptoms, adults need to report them.

It may be physical abuse when you see a child with:

	Questionable burns, bites, bruises, broken bones, welts or black eyes.
	Fading bruises or other marks after an absence from school.

It may be physical abuse when the parent or other caregiver:

	Offers an unconvincing explanation for an injury.
	Describes the child as "bad" or "stupid."
	Uses harsh physical discipline.

It may be physical neglect when a child:

	Steals food or money from classmates, often seems hungry.
	Lacks medical or dental care.
	Says that no one is home to care for him.
	Lacks proper clothing for the weather.
	Often appears dirty or tired.

It may be physical neglect when a parent or caregiver:

	Abuses alcohol or drugs.
	Appears indifferent to a child’s needs.
	Seems apathetic or depressed.
	Consistently fails to keep important appointments or to take medicines.

It may be emotional abuse or neglect when the child:

	Displays self-destructive behavior, like cutting or burning himself.
	Becomes overly compliant and passive or extremely demanding and aggressive.
	Acts inappropriately adult (such as “parenting” other children) or inappropriately infantile (such as frequent rocking or head banging).
	Can’t make or keep friends.

It may be emotional abuse or neglect when the caregiver:

	Constantly puts down or blames a child.
	Rejects the child outright
	Makes unreasonable demands on the child without regard to his abilities or developmental level.
	Gets defensive or refuses to consider help for the child's school problems.

It may be sexual abuse when the child:

	Can’t walk or sit easily
	Has injuries or redness around the genitals.
	Displays unusual sexual knowledge or behavior, such as being seductive.
	Withdraws, seems depressed or can’t get along with peers.
	Abuses drugs or alcohol.
	Has unexplained money or gifts.
	Expresses thoughts of suicide and low self-worth.

It may be sexual abuse when the parent or caregiver:

	Was sexually abused as a child himself.
	Abuses drugs or alcohol.
	Lacks social and emotional contacts outside his family.
	Restricts a child's contact with those of the opposite sex.