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Signs of Child Abuse and Neglect
Abuse and neglect may show up in physical or behavioral signs, some of which are listed here. In many instances there appears to be an unusual pattern or location of physical injuries that suggests abuse. Some of the signs listed may indicate problems that do not involve abuse or neglect. If you suspect abuse, report it to the appropriate local agency and let them make the determination.
Human Services Agencies
Children's Physical Signs:
- Bruises, welts or broken bones
- Burns
- Missing hair
- Poor hygiene
- Injuries or redness around the genitals
- Injuries at different stages of healing
- Injury or medical condition that hasn't been properly treated
- Slowed physical development
Children's Behavioral Signs:
- poor grades
- lack of concentration
- frequent tardiness or absence from school
- difficulty making and keeping friends
- unhappiness, depression
- withdrawal from others
- acts of anger, aggression
- destruction of property
- hurting themselves or others
- low self-esteem
- problems with expressing feelings
- fatigue
- constant attention seeking
- speech problems
- sleeping problems
- reluctance to go home
- hunger, begging for food, stealing
- unusual fears
- unusual knowledge of sex
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Prevent Child Abuse Wisconsin |
211 S. Paterson St., Suite 250 |
Madison, WI 53703
phone 608-256-3374 |
fax 608-256-3378 | 1-800-CHILDREN
pcaw@cssw.org Disclaimer |
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