Signs of Abuse
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The following may help you decide whether a child's welfare is at risk of abuse, harm or neglect.
Signs which may suggest physical abuse
- any bruising to a baby - pre-walking stage
- multiple bruising to different parts of the body
- bruising of different colours indicating repeated injuries
- fingertip bruising to the chest, back, arms or legs
- burns of any shape or size
- an injury for which there is no adequate explanation
Signs of possible sexual abuse
- something a child has told you
- something a child has told someone else
- a child who shows worrying sexualised behaviour in their play or with other children
- a child who seems to have inappropriate sexual knowledge for their age
- a child who may be visiting or being looked after by a known or suspected sexual offender
Signs which may suggest emotional harm
The following signs may be present in children whose parents are over-critical and emotionally distant, or who are unable to meet their child's emotional needs:
- children whose behaviour is excessive. For example, excessive bedwetting, overeating, rocking, headbanging.
- children who self harm. For example, they may cut or scratch themselves or overdose.
- children who attempt suicide
- children who persistently run away from home
- children who show high levels of anxiety, unhappiness or withdrawal
- children who usually seek out or avoid affection.
Signs which may suggest neglect
- squalid, unhygienic or dangerous home conditions
- parents who fail to attend to their children's health or development needs
- children who appear persistently undersized or underweight
- children who continually appear tired or lacking in energy
- children who suffer frequent injuries due to lack of supervision
Source material taken from the LAWs Project
More information about Child Protection