Physical and Behavioral Indicators of Abuse

Type of AbusePhysical IndicatorsBehavioral Indicators
Physical Abuse 1) Unexplained bruises (in various stages of healing).  1) Self destructive.
  2) Unexplained burns, especially cigarette burns or immersion burns.  2) Withdrawn and/or aggressive – behavioral extremes.
  3) Unexplained fractures, lacerations or abrasions.  3) Arrives at school early or stays late as if afraid to be at home.
  4) Swollen areas. 4) Chronic runaway (adolescents).
  5) Evidence of delayed or inappropriate treatment for injuries. 5) Complains of soreness or moves uncomfortably.
    6) Wears clothing inappropriate to weather to cover body.
    7) Bizarre explanation of injuries.
    8) Wary of adult contact.
     
Physical Neglect 1) Abandonment 1) Regularly displays fatigue or restlessness; falls asleep in class.
  2) Unattended medical needs. 2) Steals food; begs from students.
  3) Consistent lack of supervision. 3) Reports that no caretaker is at home.
  4) Consistent hunger, inappropriate dress and/or poor hygiene. 4) Frequently absent or tardy.
  5) Lice, distended stomach, emaciated. 5) Self destructive.
  6) Inadequate nutrition. 6) School dropout (adolescents).
    7) Extreme loneliness and need for affection.
     
Sexual Abuse Sexual abuse may be non-touching; obscene language; pornography; exposure – or touching; fondling; molesting; oral sex; intercourse.
  1) Torn, stained or blooding Underclothing. 1) Excessive seductiveness.
  2) Pain, swelling or itching in genital area. 2) Role reversal, overly concerned for siblings.
  3) Difficulty walking or sitting. 3) Massive weight change.
  4) Bruises or bleeding in genital area.  4) Suicide attempts (especially adolescents).
  5) Venereal disease. 5) Inappropriate sex play or premature understanding of sex.
  6) Frequent urinary or yeast infections. 6) Threatened by physical contact, closeness.
     
Emotional Abuse Emotional abuse may be name-calling, insults, put-downs, etc., or it may be terrorization, isolation, humiliation, rejection, corruption, ignoring. 
  1) Speech disorders.    1) Habit disorder (sucking, rocking, biting).
  2) Delayed physical development.  2) Antisocial, destructive.
  3) Substance abuse.    3) Neurotic traits (sleep disorders, inhibition of play.
  4) Ulcers, asthma, severe allergies. 4) Passive and aggressive - behavioral extremes.
    5) Delinquent behavior (especially adolescents).
    6) Developmentally delayed. 

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